It is OK to NOT be OK!

Amanda has been working with Mental Health, Addictions, Criminal courts, SA survivors and HT survivors providing counselling for approximately 10 years now. She started working with FNMI people in the KW and Hamilton communities. Amada completed her MSW in Indigenous Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and is now working on her Ph.D at Queen's on Anishinaabe Dream Knowledge. Amanda is a Serpent River First Nations member and of the Bear Clan. Amanda also has training in alternative healing styles such as Reiki, Crystal Healing, Cedar Bath, and Energy Healing. 

Kyla has been raised in a life of social work, and she comes from a great circle of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) social workers and elders. Kyla specializes in Mental Health and Addictions as well as Men's Mental Health, and counselling for individuals who have Alcohol Down Syndrome and alternative healing practices that are Land-Based. Kyla is currently working on her Ph.D. at Queens University on the topic of creating land-based healing for individuals who are part of the ASD spectrum. 

My name is Cherry, and I bring lived experience, resilience, and compassion to my work in peer support. I’ve survived childhood abuse, unsafe relationships, human trafficking, homelessness, addiction, and involvement with child protection systems. These experiences have shaped my deep understanding of trauma, survival, and the lifelong journey of healing.  Through it all, I’ve developed strong advocacy skills, a harm reduction mindset, and firsthand knowledge of the systems that impact vulnerable and marginalized people. I’ve walked through some of the darkest parts of life and come out stronger, using every challenge as a stepping stone toward growth and recovery. Today, I use my story not just as a testimony of resilience, but as a tool to help others feel seen, heard, and supported. My passion lies in creating safe, non judgmental spaces where people can find hope, empowerment, and connection. I believe that healing begins with being believed, and I’m committed to walking alongside others as they navigate their own paths toward wellness and self determination.

My name is Brittney and I bring queer experience, resilience, non-judgement, kindness, and understanding to my peers. I've survived mental, physical, and sexual abuse throughout my life in relationships as well as at work. I've also beat addictions. I am neurodivergent and live with PTSD and depression. These experiences have permanently changed, but not destroyed who I am and have taught me that healing is a lifelong battle that is worth fighting as long as I work to try - and never give up.  All of this has taught me how to build my identity not around what I've survived, but how I continue to thrive. I've learned how to use my communication skills to advocate for myself as well as others. I believe that healing starts within the self but also through community. I rely heavily on creating artwork as a means of self meditation and finding self worth. I believe that everyone is different as they are the same and that finding common ground is often the best place to learn determination and resilience. These things help foster the creation of permanent healing, strength, inner peace, and wellness as well as finding a path to move onwards and upwards. Life is often a difficult fight, but it doesn't have to be permanent nor fought alone. There is a point this fight does get easier and things begin to feel better - I'm here to help with that.