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Lyndsay Marie LOVELY B.Sc.
M.Sc. (OT) Dalhousie

Lyndsay is studying for a Master in Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University and she is working towards a life long career in women’s mental health. Her Bachelor of Science was in Biology at University of New Brunswick.

Lyndsay believes that her Masters in Occupational Therapy will provide her with a vast array of skill sets and tools needed to enable women to regain what is important and meaningful in their lives. In addition she hopes to bring inspiration, hope, motivation and proof that mental illness does not have to control your life.

Lyndsay is currently doing her first full time field work placement at a long term care facility for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. This placement is a tremendous learning opportunity and Lyndsay feels that is will be a great asset in her future career. In addition, Lyndsay is planning on doing a 2 month international placement to gain increased cultural awareness, insight and perspective.

After graduating, Lyndsay hopes to find a career at a medical health facility specializing in women’s care. Many of these specialized facilities have endless opportunities for occupational therapists working in mental health including: addictions centers, abuse and sexual assault services, HIV/AIDS clinic, reproductive mental health clinic, access clinic for women with disabilities, eating disorder clinics etc. It is of utmost importance to be aware that mental health issues are often co-morbid with physical illness, dysfunction and disability as well as post traumatic events. The support of mental health professionals is extremely valuable to ensuring the overall health of mind, body and soul. Advocating for her clients is also important to Lyndsay and she plans to work hard to break the negative stigma associated with mental illness.

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Jessica Karen BLEUER, B.A., M.Ed.
M.A Creative Arts Therapy, Drama Therapy, Université Concordia University

Jessica Bleuer has learned about gender based oppression through her studies in sociology, theatre and adult education and community development. She holds a BA with honours from McGill University and an M.Ed from the University of Toronto. Jessica has used theatre as a tool for education, public awareness and advocacy in many different contexts working with young women from underserved communities, women who have experienced violence, groups in conflict, high school students, university students, not-for-profit employees, people living with HIV and AIDS, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Now Jessica is completing an MA in drama therapy where she is learning about the psychological aspects of oppression. Jessica will use her studies to add therapeutic and healing aspects to her previously politically oriented work. Jessica hopes to dedicate a long career as a drama therapist in the service of women who have experienced violence, women who are living with HIV or AIDS and young women who face challenges to gaining education, meaningful employment and engaging in healthy relationships. Her work is both therapeutic and political; she works on both personal and structural levels.

Jessica teaches a very popular Theatre for Community Organizing Course`at the University of Toronto`s Transformative Learning Centre`s Summer Institute. Her students have praised her facilitation as `passionate`, `thought provoking`and `a true force for change through unconventional means.` One of her professors at the University of Toronto says that Jessica is known as the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education`s theatre expert, and that apart from being an excellent facilitator with strong conflict management skills, one of her true gifts is her ability to connect with people and create an atmosphere of trust and openness amongst the groups she facilitates.

Pictured: Jessica will dedicate her career as a drama therapist in the service of women who experience violence, women who are living with HIV and AIDS and young women who face challenges to gaining education, meaningful employment and engaging in healthy relationships.

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Trica Marie McDIARMID, B.A.
M.A. Counselling Psychology- University of British Columbia
First Nation, Tr’ondek Hwech’in citizen (Yukon Territory)

Trica is Han Gwitch’in and Northern Tutchone. She is status First Nation and a Tr’ondek Hwech’in Government citizen. Trica is currently a student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at the University of British Columbia.

Trica is a single parent of 3 children and she is raising her children to look for the good in people, be non-judgmental and help people whenever they can. As a result they have grown to be responsible citizens who love their culture, value diversity and volunteer in their community.

The volunteer work Trica has enjoyed most is advocating for First Nation women who have had their children removed by the child welfare system. Due to historical practices of removing First Nation children from their homes there are currently more children in the child welfare system in Canada then at any point in history. Trica worked with pregnant and parenting women in Canada’s poorest neighborhood, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and has witnessed how caring mom’s are and how devastated they are when they lose their children due to poverty or inadequate housing. As a result she has developed a passion for helping women have their children returned home and also plans to write her master’s thesis in this area.

Other volunteer work Trica has enjoyed is helping First Nation students excel in post-secondary education and develop pride in their culture.

After earning a PhD in Counselling Psychology, Trica plans to work as a therapist, educator and researcher in First Nation communities where her help is needed the most.

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Erin MacKenzie EADIE, B.Sc., M.Sc.
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Victoria

Erin is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis on lifespan studies. Her doctoral program has a dual focus, with intensive training in both research and clinical skills.

Erin’s academic research focuses on women’s experiences of interpersonal trauma (i.e., physical and sexual violence) and the psychological and physical health consequences of those experiences. In her Master’s thesis, Erin found that women’s experiences of sexual assault were significantly associated with the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms and with an increased rate of physical health problems in the aftermath of the trauma.

In addition to her academic work, Erin also holds a volunteer position with the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre. This experience has enabled her to draw important connections between her research and the real life experiences of the women she works with.

Looking to the future, Erin plans to practice as a Clinical Psychologist, specifically working therapeutically with women who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Erin has long been an advocate for women’s rights and she is dedicated to promoting healthy adjustment among women through clinical work, research, and volunteer activities.