Experience

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Yukon (CPAWS Yukon)

• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

• Executive Director

  • Jan 2023 - Present



Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition

• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

• Food Security Network Coordinator

  • Mar 2021 - Jan 2023

  As the Coordinator, I am an advocate for northern food security, and responsible for building and expanding the Yukon Food Security Network. I use communication and interpersonal skills to engage collaboratively with local contacts including representatives from: First Nation Governments, Yukon Government, various NGO agencies, community leaders, private businesses, as well as local food producers/distributors/funders/stakeholders. • Obtain external funding to ensure the longevity of the program through seeking grants, community sponsors and other programs. • Develop and report on program budgets to the Board. • Work to collect and share information and food security data between network groups and members. • Identify barriers to food security across the Yukon and in communities, and work to implement actionable resolutions. • Travel to Yukon communities and host engagement/education seminars. • Coordinate and facilitate local food security working group meetings across the territory: • Engage with Emergence Management Organization (EMO) to coordinate food distribution response in the event of local disaster such as fire or flooding. • Educate and advocate for northern food security. • Participate in larger conversations and other working groups on territorial, national, and international levels. • Build relationships to seek funding support for local food security programs. • Work to create and connect secure food sources to Yukoners in need. • Regular reporting to a Board comprised of partner organizations (Yukon Energy, United Way Yukon, Food Bank Society of Whitehorse, and Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. Show less



Yukon Territorial Government

• Transitional Support Worker

  • Nov 2009 - Jan 2023

  As a Transitional Support Worker, I am based in/rotate between of several group care facilities for children/youth/teens in the care of Family and Children's Services in Whitehorse. Many of the youth living in the homes identified as First Nations. Often, they are also considered as “at risk,” frequently struggling with FASD, addictions, violence, or inter-generational trauma. Working effectively requires strong interpersonal skills, as well as empathy and understanding.• Data collection, and record keeping are required to keep youth files up to date and accurate.• Provided 24-hour, day-to-day support to meet requirements for youth residing in group care.• Life skills counselling, and teaching opportunities to help prepare clients for independence.• Support services in regards to identifying protective factors, and practising harm reduction.• Involve families and cultural interventions to provides programming and support for the youth residing in the home(s).• Use empathetic connections, active listening, conflict resolution Show less

• Caseworker

  • Jan 2021 - Apr 2021

  based at the Fireweed Group Home and administered to the case management and clinical aspects of the youth in care. This role required extensive case management experience, detailed record keeping, knowledge of programs and resources available to youth, and strong communication skills. The role also included:• Life skill development and mentoring and counselling.• Goal setting and progress tracking.• Providing ongoing feedback on progress of stated objectives or skills. This was provided to the youth, but also working in conjunction and advocacy with social workers, clinical counsellors, and other relevant support persons.• Completing risk assessments and harm reduction plans. A direct focus of these plans was in providing meaningful and responsive plans rather than reactive.• Updating and administering the day-to-day paperwork, data collection, reports, and life tasks incurred in a group home setting. Show less

• Caseworker

  • Mar 2016 - Sep 2016

  As a Case Worker I was based at the Children’s Receiving Home and administered to the case management and clinical aspects of the youth in care. This role required extensive case management experience, detailed record keeping, knowledge of programs and resources available to youth, and strong communication skills. The role also included:• Life skill development and mentoring and counselling.• Goal setting and progress tracking.• Providing ongoing feedback on progress of stated objectives or skills. This was provided to the youth, but also working in conjunction and advocacy with social workers, clinical counsellors, and other relevant support persons.• Completing risk assessments and harm reduction plans. A direct focus of these plans was in providing meaningful and responsive plans rather than reactive.• Updating and administering the day-to-day paperwork, data collection, reports, and life tasks incurred in a group home setting. Show less



Northern Outlooks General Consulting

• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

• Policy Consultant

  • Feb 2018 - Nov 2021

  Contractor to assist in policy development on multiple scopes and levels. From completing municipal and territorial government projects, to helping non-profit organizations and charities reach their goals towards growth and sustainability: • Policy research, and review – evaluate old or outdated policies/bylaws, then compare and contrast with other regions or municipalities. Provided recommendations to update and modernize existing regulations. • Policy writing – in additions to researching the needs of the organization, provided a draft policy and drafted staff training manual to board of directors for approval and adoption. • Program development: Creation and implementation including staff hiring and training. Some projects included establishment of local daycare centre, outdoor youth recreation programs, and employee training programs. • Risk assessment, planning, and management: Assisted in the development of emergency response policies, planning scenarios and evaluation of risk. Some of these projects included festival preparedness guidelines, site evaluation, staff training and response procedures. • Organizational analysis of groups and programs. Supported clients with development of core competencies, identification of values, and using tools to evaluate the strength or success of the organization or program under review. • Data collection based on individual projects. Surveys, statistics, testimonials etc. • Leadership and group development seminars – provided to city of Whitehorse and local NGOs. Seminars included identification and development of departmental core competencies. SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) analysis. • Fundraising: Networking and program promotion in order to develop community relations and support for given projects. • Grant writing and management: Contracted to write and secure granting for NGO organizations. Responsible for managing grant documentation and closing after program completion. Show less