Breaking the Culture of Shame by Sharing Throughout my recovery journey, I've had the chance to reflect on my 20 years within the child welfare system. In doing so, I've…

The one way streets of our systems The standards in our systems seem like one-way streets. None of the services I encountered would have tolerated even a minute of what…

A culture of shame, suffocated by messages to be quite. I lived in a culture of shame, suffocated by constant messages to be passive and quiet. I truly believed that…

We all have a role to play in helping those that help In helping professions, it’s impossible to completely avoid exposure to trauma and hardship. However, there are tools and…

My story vs a paycheque I've chosen to share my story rather than prioritize my employment because I believe there's value in revealing what I've experienced. Enduring unaddressed workplace issues…

We cannot rely on others for our own due diligence The tragic case of Jordan Heikamp’s death in Toronto in 1997, highlights a critical lesson for those working in helping…

In 2024 we need to make forbidden conversations acceptable, speaking up is courage. I experienced firsthand how workplace harassment and unaddressed issues can escalate without intervention. Reflecting on my experience,…

Bystander effect in an organization What happened to me was a direct result of Bystander effect in organizations.  There was a diffusion of responsibility, alienation, and isolation, all of which…

Child Welfare’s one way street policy My situation highlights the opportunity to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by social workers, who are often the forgotten responders. I am…

We can’t change what is real if it is being hidden When our brain is repeatedly exposed to certain messages, they eventually become familiar and feel "normal." Through my journey,…