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Careers in Mental Health Speaker Panel

Jan 28, 2020 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
CC-101, Career Centre, 192 King St. N., Waterloo

Registration Deadline: Jan 28, 2020 05:00 PM

In 2018, nearly 5.3 million Canadians indicated the need for support with their mental health (StatsCan, 2019).
 
The evolving mental health needs of Canadians have created dramatic changes in the types of careers and work opportunities in this field. This panel of practitioners and professionals will change the way you think about roles in mental health; they come from all different backgrounds (not just psychology and counselling), work with diverse populations, provide a range of care and services and are all making contributions to the mental health and wellness of this region.
 
Thinking about how, where, and if to start a career in the field of mental health?
This is the event for you – hear their stories, get your answers, make connections, create opportunities.

Confirmed panellists include:
Allison Dunn (BA'09), Community Services Director, House of Friendship

  • Allison graduated with a major in Global Studies and a minor in Political Science, including a semester on exchange at the University of Limerick in Ireland. After Laurier, she completed a diploma at Humber College School of Business and Management in International Project Management learning to lead projects anywhere in the world. Her development experience ranges from women's empowerment curriculum development in Varanasi, India, implementation of social justice programs for youth in inner-city schools in Toronto and management of various programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues. Currently, her role serves individuals and families in need of food assistance and various community resources across Waterloo Region. She is deeply motivated by justice, equity and empowerment of all global citizens.  

Jenni Jackson, Manager of Community Mental Health, Lutherwood

  • Jenni has spent nearly 15 years devoting her career to the mission of children's mental health at Lutherwood.  She has a diploma in Child & Youth Work, an undergraduate degree in Social Development Studies and hopes to commence a Master of Social Work program this fall.  At Lutherwood, Jenni has worked her way through the mental health services division; starting out as a front line CYW, moving into intensive case management at Front Door, becoming a community mental health worker targeting our hardest to serve family's and finally coming into leadership for approximately half of her time at the agency. As a leader, Jenni was a residential supervisor at Lutherwood's live-in treatment site and has since been promoted to program manager in the community for just over a year now.  Jenni has a keen interest in building positive work culture, developing programs and embodying the core values that the agency is founded on. In her time outside of work, Jenni is a mother of three-year-old twins.  When she's not resting to recover from twin parenting, she enjoys hiking and time and in nature as well as sports such as CrossFit, volleyball and baseball. 

Nathan Reeve (BA'17), Wellness Education Coordinator, Wilfrid Laurier University

  • Nathan Reeve is a trained elementary school teacher turned mental health educator. Using his knowledge of the learning process and skill development, he has spent his years since graduating Laurier in 2017 developing skills-based educational programming and events helping students learn how to maintain their well-being while they are at Laurier and beyond.

Julia Telford, Re-Entry & Aftercare Therapist, Stonehenge Therapeutic Community (STC)

  • In her current role, Julia assists clients in managing triggers, developing coping skills and processing difficult emotions and behaviours during the Re-Entry phase of treatment. The Re-Entry phase is the final phase of the Therapeutic Community treatment model in the STC residential program. It serves to start the client's re-integration into the larger community after completing 3-4 months in Active Treatment in our residential program. She facilitates group counselling where the clients can process and discuss the struggles and strengths of recovery and their future. In addition, she connect the clients with services and supports to the area where they are going after their treatment. This role also supports the clients to work toward Re-Entry goals such as education, healthy relationships and boundaries, developing structure and routine, and identifying/engaging in healthy leisure activities. She is also the Aftercare Therapist, facilitating a weekly peer-to-peer support group in the community for individuals who have completed the STC program or another long term residential program in Ontario. This gives individuals a space to talk openly about the challenges of living in recovery and gain support through her and their peers. She completed her BA in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family studies at the University of Guelph. She has worked for Stonehenge for just over 4 years.


Yesinia Torres (BA'10), Client Services Coordinator, Hospice of Waterloo 

  • In her current role, Yesinia meets with clients, their families and caregivers to complete in-home assessments, and connects them with HWR programs and services that meet their unique and individual needs. In addition, she coordinates and supports hundreds of volunteers, matching them with assignments and supporting them with their roles. Yesenia has extensive experience in community engagement, working with diverse communities, volunteer management and program development. Previously, she has worked at Community Support Connections - Meals on Wheels and More, Focus for Ethnic Women and Deloitte. Yesenia completed her BA in Communication Studies and Global Studies at Laurier. She also has a Business Management diploma, a Human Resources certificate, and most recently a Volunteer Management certificate at Conestoga College. 

Zeri Zigeta, Case Manager, Reception House Waterloo Region

  • In his current role, Zeri provides assistance to refugee families and individuals so that they can access supports and services needed to lead productive and meaningful lives in their new home. Furthermore, he is the Program Coordinator for New Canadian Youth Connections (NCYC) program, where refugee youth receive academic and recreational services to create connections and a sense of belonging. He holds a BA from the University of Waterloo in Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations and a Postgraduate Certificate from Humber College in Project Management for International Development.

​Please bring your OneCard to this event.

We are committed to providing inclusive programs and services to all students and alumni. Please contact us if you require accommodation for a disability.


Each year, the Career Centre hosts a number of speaker panels covering various themes. Attend panels to gain information and advice about a range of careers you may not have previously considered!

2019-20 Speaker Series:  


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