In the Heart of K-W
I believe that real change begins at the grassroots level — by showing up, listening, and being present. I’m proud to contribute my time and voice to initiatives that uplift individuals and families across Kitchener-Waterloo. Whether it's supporting youth, advocating for mental wellness, or sharing lived experiences, my goal is always to build connection and spark hope.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
— Coretta Scott King
Professional Background
St. Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School (Field Placement)
In my placement, I worked closely with students facing personal, emotional, and behavioral challenges, providing support and resources to help them navigate school life. I assisted with student intake, develop stress-relief tools for the quiet room, and collaborate with Child and Youth Care Workers to foster community and team-building through activities like Fun Fridays.
Peer Wellness Navigator, Conestoga College
As a Peer Wellness Navigator, I provide support to students facing mental health struggles, including suicide intervention. I guide students to available resources and help reduce the stigma around mental health. I also organize wellness initiatives aimed at promoting emotional resilience and creating a sense of belonging within the campus community.
Cornerstone Support Services (Field Placement)
At Cornerstone Support Services, I worked directly with youth involved in the Family and Children’s Services (FACS) system, providing mentorship and advocating for their needs. My role involved helping these youth develop a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy, assisting them in building essential life skills.
KW Habilitation
I have experience working as a Direct Support Worker at KW Habilitation, where I support adults and seniors with disabilities. My focus is on empowering individuals to lead independent lives, providing personalized care, and ensuring they have access to community resources that improve their quality of life.
Impacts
My commitment to community wellness goes beyond the classroom — it lives in the spaces where conversations happen, change is sparked, and people feel seen. Whether through public speaking, program development, or policy conversations, I strive to make wellness and connection more accessible for everyone.
Host & Creator – SHINE Wellness Series (Conestoga College)
In September 2024, I launched the SHINE Wellness Series — a weekly online wellness program aimed at supporting Conestoga students across all campuses. I identified a gap in consistent, accessible student support, and developed a rotating series of engaging events and worksheets.
Topics range from academic stress and loneliness to burnout and time management. Since launch, we’ve welcomed over 50 student participants and received powerful testimonials about its impact on well-being and belonging.
Stakeholder at a Roundtable– Youth Mental Health Fund
I also participated in a Roundtable Discussion with Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South–Preston. There, I offered my perspective as both a peer and a professional on the importance of the Youth Mental Health Fund, advocating for more affordable and timely supports for young people navigating complex systems.
Wellness Diaries – Mind Bee Speaker (Conestoga College)
I have had the privilege of being a guest speaker at the Mind Bee Wellness Diaries event, where I shared my lived mental health journey to help break stigma and encourage students to seek help early. Creating space for vulnerability was powerful — and a reminder of how stories can spark healing.
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