Standing Strong forum speakers
On this page you will find the profiles shared with us by the speakers for each session. To find a detailed outline of our schedule for the forum and descriptions about all sessions, you can visit our schedule page.
Keynotes and Special Guests
Elaine Alec (she/they)
Naqsmist Storytellers Inc.
- Keynote Address
Elaine Alec is a Syilx and Secwépemc author, entrepreneur, and founder of Naqsmist Storytellers Inc., devoted to cultivating spaces of belonging, wellness, and justice. With over two decades of experience in Indigenous governance and community planning, she has supported over 250 organizations and facilitated healing spaces for more than 30,000 people.
As the founder of the Cultivating Safe Spaces (CSS) framework, Elaine helps leaders, communities, and organizations shift toward emotional safety, inclusivity, and systems change. Over 200 facilitators are now certified in CSS, reaching over 11,000 people globally. In 2024, she extended this work to Pakistan, supporting the Punjabi Provincial Government in addressing violence against minorities through a multi-year strategic plan.
Elaine’s first book, Calling My Spirit Back, shares her story of healing and reclamation. Her forthcoming book, Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination, continues that journey, blending story and cultural wisdom to offer tools for transformation.
Recognized as BCBusiness Magazine’s 2023 Woman of the Year in Equity and Inclusion, Elaine envisions training one million leaders to reach one billion people. As a visionary and systems thinker, she continues to inspire change across sectors—always grounded in Indigenous values and connection to the land.
Jackson Katz (he/him)
Co-Founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)
- Keynote Address
Day 1 — Workshop Presenters
Samantha Fernandes (she/her/elle)
Ending Sexual Violence Association of (ESVA) Canada
- Strengthening the GBV Sector through Systems Change, Advocacy, and Supporting Worker Wellbeing
Samantha Fernandes began working with the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada in May 2022 as a Project Manager. She is a Registered Social Worker with an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor.
Samantha spent 16 years working in community-based, non-profit settings, and comes with expertise in the areas of family violence, mental health, psychotherapy, children and youth, violence against women, and human sex trafficking.
Starting her career as a frontline worker with survivors of gender-based violence, Samantha moved into roles that involved management, program development and cross-sectoral collaborative work which has furthered her passion for creating change and supporting survivors of violence.
Nadia Grutter (she/they)
Living in Community (LIC)
- Safety for All: Sex Workers’ Needs in Programming, Policies, and Advocacy
Nadia Grutter (she/they) is the Education Lead and Community Developer at Living in Community (LIC). She is a queer, disabled immigrant and settler on the traditional coastal homelands of the Songhees people.
Her background is in public legal education, communications, and frontline harm reduction and violence prevention. She holds a BFA, and writes in her spare time.
Jennifer Khor (she/her)
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
- Maximizing services: Trauma-informed approach to integrating legal advice, prevention and advocacy in male-dominated workplaces.
Jennifer Khor (BSc, LLB) is supervising lawyer for Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)’s Stand Informed and SHARP Workplaces legal advice services. She is committed to ensuring that legal services are delivered with a holistic trauma-informed approach.She also leads CLAS’s law reform work against the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Jennifer has dedicated her career to addressing access to justice, human rights and gender issues.
Prior to joining CLAS, she worked on legal aid initiatives for Legal Aid BC, and internationally to improve access to justice and the rule of law in Africa and Asia. She was admitted to the Law Society of British Columbia in 1997.
Jennifer is chair of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Access to Justice subcommittee, member of the CBABC Provincial Council, CBABC Policy and Advocacy Committee, CBABC Professional Issues Committee, and Steering Committee of the National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL).
Kamaljit Lehal (she/her)
Lehal Law Legal Services
- The Intersection of Family Law, Immigration Law, and Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the Tort of Family Violence in Canada
Kamaljit Kaur Lehal earned her Law Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1989 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1990. Kamaljit has successfully represented clients seeking refugee status in Canada. She is particularly passionate about advocating for women facing gender-based persecution.
Kamaljit has extensive experience in securing permanent resident status on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, especially for victims of violence. In 2019, after years of advocacy by Kamaljit, the Government of Canada established an expedited process for victims of family violence under the immigration Temporary Resident Permit and humanitarian and compassionate categories. At Kamaljit’ s recommendation these files are flagged “FV” (family violence) for priority processing.
She has represented clients before all immigration tribunals, the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division, and the Federal Court of Appeal. Kamaljit has also appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia and served as co-counsel for the Canadian Council of Refugees in litigation before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Angela Leung (she/her)
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
- Maximizing services: Trauma-informed approach to integrating legal advice, prevention and advocacy in male-dominated workplaces.
Angela Leung is the Project Coordinator for SHARP Workplaces Legal Advice Clinic in November 2019 and continued serving in similar capacity since the launch of Stand Informed Legal Services Program in 2023. Prior to this, she worked for other non-profit organizations, such as Legal Aid BC and World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Angela received a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, with a double major in Criminology and Archaeology. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, cooking, eating, and gardening.
Nicole Marcia (she/her)
Registered Clinical Counsellor & Yoga Therapist - Fine Balance Counselling and Yoga
- Body as a Resource: Breath & Movement Practices for Self & Collective Care
Nicole is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Yoga Therapist offering trauma-informed care for individuals navigating complex trauma, mental health challenges, and addiction recovery. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of psychotherapy and mind-body healing, her work integrates EMDR, AEDP, and trauma-sensitive yoga therapy to support nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
She holds a Master’s in Counselling (City University) and a Master’s in Yoga Therapy (Lesley University, Boston). Her past roles include Director of Therapeutic Yoga Programming for the Provincial Health Services Authority and Director of Teacher Training at Yoga Outreach.
She is a certified TCTSY-F facilitator and a provider with the Crime Victim Assistance Program. Nicole specializes in trauma recovery for first responders and holds a Silver Seal of Endorsement from the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association. She also serves as faculty in the First Responder Trauma Prevention program at Simon Fraser University.
Cassidy Smith (she/they)
STV Counsellor, Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC)
- Bodies at Work: Exploring Sustainability in Anti-Violence Working Practice through Embodied Creativity
Cassidy is a Stopping the Violence counsellor at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, serving survivors on the unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN-speaking peoples of the Esquimalt and Songhees nations, and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples of the Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Malahat Nations.
Since 2020, Cassidy has facilitated arts-based group programming for survivors of intimate partner and sexualized violence. This background in creative expression and anti-violence work inspired their thesis research for their Masters of Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria, completed in early 2025. This research examined antiviolence workers’ experiences of embodied trust, and how this trust contributes to working role sustainability.
Beyond their work, Cassidy can be found cozied up at home with their dog and partner, or engaging in whichever of their hobbies is the most seasonally appropriate at the time: swimming in the ocean, sewing, or planning next year’s garden.
Candice Shaw (she/her/elle)
Ending Sexual Violence Association of (ESVA) Canada
- Strengthening the GBV Sector through Systems Change, Advocacy, and Supporting Worker Wellbeing
Candice Shaw is an Executive Director at the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada, bringing with her a deep commitment to advancing gender justice and intersectional advocacy.
Previously, Candice served as the Executive Director of the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre and, prior to that, was the Director for Violence Prevention & MMIWG2S+ at the Native Women’s Association of Canada. There, she contributed to the National Action Plan for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and the Gender-Based Violence National Action Plan. Candice is also a doctoral candidate in Sociology at McGill University.
Throughout her career, Candice’s work centers lived experience of those most impacted by systemic inequality and fosters collaborative partnerships to advance gender justice, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation.
Sandy Sihota (she/her)
SiLaw Group Family Lawyers
- The Intersection of Family Law, Immigration Law, and Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the Tort of Family Violence in Canada
Sandy Sihota is the founder of SiLaw Group. Since 2013, Sandy practices as a family litigation lawyer, a collaborative lawyer, and a children’s lawyer. In 2021, Sandy’s practise expanded towards out-of-court dispute resolutions and she is accredited as a Family Law Mediator, a Family Law Arbitrator and a Parenting Coordinator. She is also trained in writing Views of the Children reports for children.
In 2019, Sandy found SiLaw Group Family Lawyers with a unique vision to be an approachable and friendly firm by providing straightforward, stress-free and cost-effective personable services to family law clients. She saw first hand the impact of a separation on clients and was eager to make this process as easy as possible for them. Sandy’s family law experience is extensive and includes all types of matters from separation agreements, division of assets, spousal support, and child custody issues. She brings sensitivity to these matters, but concentrates on delivering results for her clients.
As a litigator, Sandy has appeared before all levels of courts and tribunals in British Columbia. She prides herself on her pragmatic approach to successfully settling disputes along with her strong listening and negotiation skills. As a Children’s lawyer, Sandy represents children between the ages of 7-18 in having their voice heard in the legal system. She is fluent in both English and Punjabi.
Sandy contributes to the legal education sector as a contract Instructor for the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) with the Law Society of British Columbia
Day 2 — Workshop Presenters
Mercedes Baines (she/her)
Psychotherapist/Facilitator
- The Long Exhale: Breathing Through the Untenable
Mercedes Baines (MA, RCC, CCC, CAC) is a writer, performer & somatic psychotherapist, facilitator, instructor & consultant in private practice – Mind In Body. She identifies as a multi-racial, fat-bodied, queer-adjacent, cis-gendered woman who is a trauma survivor & lives with chronic illnesses.
Her work in the performing arts (SFU School for Contemporary Arts), her training in somatic trauma healing (Somatic Experiencing) & Adlerian Therapy (Adler University), influences her approach to psychotherapy & her understanding of healing & the creative processes. She is passionate about exploring ways to inhabit both healing & creative processes in ways that are collaborative, embodied & integrated.
Her areas of psychotherapy practice include: body image; trauma; living with a life-altering (chronic)/life-threatening illness; disordered eating; depression; anxiety; grief and loss; identity; sexuality and issues related to race and culture. Her themes of creative practice include: intersection of race & sexuality; identity & race politics; eroticism & sensuality; body image; fantasy; gender identity; intimate relationships & trauma.
Annette Browne (she/her)
Professor & Distinguished University Scholar | Associate Director, Graduate Programs
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Dr. Browne studies health and healthcare inequities, with a particular focus on health inequities affecting Indigenous peoples.
She conducts research on strategies to enhance equity-oriented health care for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, including interventions to address systemic racism and discrimination, and support the uptake of cultural safety and trauma- and violence-informed care.
Her work is aimed at promoting health equity through improvements in nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and health policy.
Anne Davis (she/her)
EVA BC Board of Directors, Advisory Seat
- Government and media relations as part of anti-violence advocacy work
Anne worked in a variety of roles at Comox Valley Transition Society for over 30 years, including Transition House Coordinator, coordination of STV and PEACE programs, and coordinator of the Comox Valley Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee.
As an activist and member of the board of directors of her union, Anne served on provincial and national union women’s Committees where she advocated for unions to enhance their response to intimate partner violence and participated in lobbying provincial and federal governments on related issues. Anne currently serves on the boards of EVABC, Comox Valley Transition Society, and Vancouver Island Health Authority.
She believes in the power of building relationships with those in elected positions in order that the voices of our sector may be heard. Anne considers it to be a privilege to work alongside others who share a vision of a better, more equitable world.
Angeline Day (she/her)
Angeline Day Facilitating Change
- Cultivating Safe Spaces
Angeline Day is a Onyota’a:ka (Oneida First Nation) and Jamaican woman which drives her passion for Cultivating Safe Spaces. As a Certified Cultivating Safe Spaces Facilitator, she is dedicated to helping organizations, teams and communities to cultivate safe, inclusive and decolonized spaces and processes. She specializes in training for non-profits, educational institutions, youth groups, and teams working on decolonization, including direct work with Indigenous and Black youth.
Her work equips participants with the teachings, tools, and protocols necessary to cultivate safety, healing, self-awareness in both personal and professional settings. She has taught the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework to over 900 individuals and collaborated with organizations such as UBC, the City of Vancouver, Indigenous organizations, and more. She is committed to continuing this important work by offering free training to Indigenous and Black youth, funded by initiatives like the We Matter Campaign and the Black Youth Initiative. Visit www.angelineday.com to learn more.
Alix Dolson (she/her)
Agency Coordinator, Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Alix Dolson (she/her) is the Agency Coordinator at the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre. An uninvited settler in beautiful Secwepemcúl’ecw, Alix is a registered social worker with a background in anti-violence and anti-human trafficking work. She has worked with people experiencing violence both in Canada and abroad.
Alix’s practice is rooted in intersectional feminism, and the idea that every person is an expert in their own life. The belief that advocacy, community, and collective care are the way forward to mutual liberation is what drives Alix in this work. Alix has a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Human Security and Peacebuilding.
She is also a certified Sexual Health Educator and Abortion Doula. Outside of her work, Alix spends time raising two small children and plotting ways to take down the patriarchy.
John Dubé (he/him)
Counsellor/Social Worker
- Supporting survivors of gender-based violence who are experiencing suicidality
John Dubé is a registered social worker and a registered clinical counsellor in the province of British Columbia. He began his work in the area of suicide and bereavement in 1985 responding to family and community needs to a suicide, homicide or traumatic death. John has worked in the area of intimate partner violence, working with men, and programs that work closely with the Government Ministry for Child Protection concerning families struggling with addictions, mental health and domestic violence.
John has conducted numerous workshops and trainings to professionals (therapists, counselors, teachers, social workers, victim services personnel, nurses) on topics related to trauma, responding to sudden deaths, suicide prevention and intervention, bereavement, and professional self-care and non-violent communication. He is also an adjunct instructor at Adler University teaching graduate level Ethics in Counselling Psychology and Trauma Theory and Intervention.
Kate Feeney (she/her)
Director of Litigation, West Coast LEAF
- Parent and Caregiver Rights during Child and Family Services Investigations
Based on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Kate is the Director of Litigation at West Coast LEAF. She holds a law degree from the University of Victoria and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of British Columbia. Since law school, Kate has worked as a non-profit or legal aid lawyer in a variety of areas, including administrative, constitutional, human rights, and family law. She has helped people use the law to achieve their individual goals and litigated cases with the aim of systemic law reform.
Humera Jabir (she/her)
Staff Lawyer, West Coast LEAF
- Parent and Caregiver Rights during Child and Family Services Investigations
Humera is a second-generation settler of South Asian origin living on unceded and stolen xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands. As a Staff Lawyer, Humera advocates for gender justice through legal cases and law reform efforts. Humera holds a law degree from McGill University. After law school, she clerked for the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Before joining West Coast LEAF, Humera practiced constitutional, administrative, and human rights law and worked in civilian oversight of policing. She has also worked on human rights initiatives and published articles on criminal law reform, racial profiling, and systemic discrimination, and on the rights of women, religious minorities, and refugees.
Meaghan Hagerty (she/her)
Program Manager, Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Meaghan Hagerty (she/her) is KSACC’s Program Manager. She was born and raised as an uninvited settler in Kamloops before moving away for university and eventually landing back here. Her educational background is in health sciences, health equity, and community engagement, and she has spent a number of years working in roles that address gendered violence and support survivors.
Meaghan roots her work in Intersectional, anti-oppressive, social justice, and community care frameworks. In her spare time Meaghan is usually exploring and appreciating the beautiful Secwepemc lands around her, daydreaming about her next trip, baking something delicious or spending time with family, friends, and her dog.
Laurie Hannah (she/her)
Executive Director, Westcoast Community Resources Society
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Arriving in Tofino in February 1998 from eastern Canada, Laurie Hannah brings a wealth of local knowledge and industry experience to the new role of Executive Director with the Westcoast Community Resources Society. Working locally with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for 10 years with their Early Years Program as well as Vancouver Island Health Authority, and Westcoast Community Resources Contracts over the years.
From 2013 to 2020 Laurie and her two children moved to Whistler and worked as the Community Living Coordinator with Sea to Sky Community Services for 5 years and then was the Manager of the Whistler Women’s Centre with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre delivering many of the programs that the Westcoast Community Resources Society delivers. She has a passion for strengthening families and community and looks forward to incorporating her degrees and diplomas along with her experience and passion to build stronger communities
Ninu Kang (she/her)
Executive Director, Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC)
- Government and media relations as part of anti-violence advocacy work
Ninu Kang comes to her leadership role with EVA BC with over 30 years of work experience in the areas of newcomer settlement, gender-based violence, and justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. With an academic background in counselling psychology combined with frontline work experience, she has developed key skills in clinical counselling, facilitation, and senior leadership.
She is inspired in her work by young people who are the future of change. She aspires to learn from young people and stands committed to mentorship where needed.
In her spare time, she loves to hike in the beautiful lush BC trails.
Dr. Harjit Kaur (she/her)
Executive Director, Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS)
- Collective culture: best practices and trauma-informed tools for supporting immigrant survivors
Dr. Harjit Kaur is a Registered Clinical Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. She believes that information sharing is key to improving the lives of families and communities locally and globally. Her understanding of the anti-violence work is informed by her 25+ years of past frontline experience in the social services sector. She strives to work collaboratively to attain equity and inclusiveness across sectors.
Her work in community participatory research has been grounded in the effort to address inequities and vulnerabilities for racialized immigrant children and families. She recognizes that intersectionality in policies and practices is critical in achieving violence free and safe societies globally. The work continues and the vision to create and achieve these goals remains a passion for her. She is determined that technology can be applied to assist the development and improvement of our communities and collective efforts and commitment towards this goal is achievable.
Pam Kimmerly (she/her)
Peers Victoria Resources Society
- Rights Not Rescue: Understanding and Supporting Sex Workers
Pam, a white settler originally from the Fraser Valley, moved to what is now known as Victoria six years ago. Having faced her own mental health challenges, as well as witnessing her loved ones struggle to access support, Pam is passionate about improving care for vulnerable populations, particularly sex workers.
In 2023, Pam graduated with a diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions from Camosun College. She joined Peers Victoria Resources Society after completing her practicum there and has worked in several programs, including HOPPS (Housing Overdose Prevention and Peer-led services), Night Outreach Van, and Drop-In Services, with a recent focus as a Violence Prevention Support Worker.
What drew Pam to Peers was the core values of harm reduction, peer-led services, and advocacy, which she believes are essential in addressing the vulnerabilities of sex workers and fostering community support. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Vancouver Island and spending time with her cat, Mr. Yams.
Elizabeth Korompai (she/her)
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
- Break the Silence on Sexual Violence: Rethinking Non-Disclosure Agreements and Supporting Survivors
Elizabeth Korompai is an outreach coordinator and legal assistant at Community Legal Assistance Society, working in Stand Informed legal advice services, as well as Speak Out: Ending Gender Based Violence.
Elizabeth obtained her B.A. in Political Science with a certificate in International Studies at Simon Fraser University.
Nancy Lipsky (she/her)
Program Manager, EQUIP, University of British Columbia
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Nancy Lipsky works at the intersection of research, equity, and community engagement, with over a decade of experience managing projects focused on women’s health, stigma, and systems change. Her work has included initiatives in perinatal mental health, pregnancy outreach, and addressing substance use stigma in health and social services.
Nancy currently works with EQUIP Health Care, where she manages national knowledge mobilization initiatives supporting organizations to embed equity-oriented, non-stigmatizing, trauma- and violence-informed care. Grounded in a belief that meaningful change happens through collaboration, she is deeply committed to continually learning and evolving how we work together as a community.
Dr. Sarah Marsden (she/her)
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
- Break the Silence on Sexual Violence: Rethinking Non-Disclosure Agreements and Supporting Survivors
Dr. Sarah Marsden is the consultant lawyer for Community Legal Assistance Society’s Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project. She was called to the bar in 2006, and has been involved in community-facing legal advocacy, law reform, and research since then.
She has worked as a lawyer, taught, and published in the areas of human rights law, labour law, and immigration and refugee law. In addition to her work with CLAS, she currently works as the director of Systems Change and Legal for First United in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Alida Mayor (she/they)
Peers Victoria Resources Society
- Rights Not Rescue: Understanding and Supporting Sex Workers
Alida is Métis and a settler originally from Manitoba who relocated to what is now known as Victoria on Vancouver Island during their childhood. This is where they continue to reside today.
As a Violence Prevention Coordinator and HOPPS (Housing Overdose Prevention and Peer-Led services) worker at Peers Victoria Resources Society, Alida brings invaluable lived experience to their role, having navigated periods of homelessness, substance use, and working as both an escort and a survival sex worker.
Alida is deeply passionate about all things harm reduction. They firmly believe that individuals deserve the rights to make their own choices and to do so safely, with autonomy and dignity. In their spare time, Alida enjoys beadwork and spending time with their fur babies, Rascal and Meow Meow.
Peer-to-Peer
Community Co-op
Multiple Presenters
- Working for and with Poor People: a peer-centered approach
- lonnes leloup (she/her)
- Ryan Calderon (all pronouns)
- Rachel S. (she/her)
- katie hocking (she/her)
Ryan, Rachel, katie, and lonnes are all front line workers and members of the Peer-to-Peer Community Co-op, a Vancouver DTES group that outlines a transformative approach to poverty reduction for hyper-marginalized women and gender-diverse individuals by modelling what an inclusive economy could and should look like.
Our mission is to engage meaningfully with poor communities (and the people who work with them), equipping our members to address the challenges they encounter related to poverty in their own lives while fundamentally altering the systems perpetuating those economic inequalities.
The PPCC offers PWLE (People With Lived/Living Experience) public speaking training, hands-on management experiences and experience in program development. We support our members as they work to shift power dynamics to improve their lives and the lives of their community
Caitlin Pitre (she/her)
Personnel and Program Manager, Westcoast Community Resources Society
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
As the Personnel and Program Manager at Westcoast Community Resources Society, and formerly a Community Outreach Worker, Caitlin Pitre is dedicated to strengthening communities through collaboration and support. She is passionate about ensuring both her staff and the people she serves feel heard and empowered.
Previously, Caitlin worked with the Government of British Columbia, where she led teams and enhanced service delivery to better support the public. She also runs her own business, Trent’s Truck and Crane Ltd., overseeing operations, finance, and compliance—developing strong leadership and problem-solving skills along the way.
Whether she’s supporting individuals in need, leading teams, or optimizing operations, Caitlin approaches her work with compassion and dedication. She thrives in collaborative environments, values community engagement, and is driven to make a lasting, positive impact.
Jesanne Stanko (she/her)
Blooming Self Somatics
- From Activation to Anchor: Applied Somatic Practices for Anti-Violence Work
Jesanne is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and the founder of Blooming Self Somatics, a practice dedicated to helping people reconnect with their bodies through felt sense and nervous system care. With over 15 years of experience in holding space for individuals and groups, she has a background in anti-violence work, both frontline and in leadership.
Her work integrates Somatic Experiencing principles with creative reflection and deep listening, offering gentle and accessible pathways to self-awareness and regulation. Having supported individuals in complex, high-intensity roles, including frontline care, social services, and healing professions, she is particularly passionate about tending to the body’s wisdom in times of overwhelm.
Her approach is slow, spacious, and grounded in the belief that our best work occurs when we return to ourselves with compassion and care.
Dr. Colleen Varcoe (she/her)
Professor Emeritus, EQUIP, University of British Columbia
- Resources for strengthening approaches to substance use
Dr. Varcoe is a leader in research on violence and inequity, with emphasis on women’s and Indigenous people’s health. Her research is currently focused on interventions to mitigate the health effects of violence for women who have experienced partner violence, and interventions to help health care settings, such as Emergency Departments, promote equity.
She is a leader in implementing and studying equity-promoting health care, including trauma- and violence-informed approaches, cultural safety and harm reduction.
