One statement that always stays with me is, “If I always do what I’ve done, I’ll always get what I’ve got,” which drives me to challenge myself to do things differently. In 2016, I decided to commit to really starting that healing journey for the betterment of self and a goal to raise my children in a safe, healthy environment – I wanted a space for my children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to feel safe and be that relative that they can always come to for guidance. Through many life experiences as a single parent, work experiences as a program developer with capacity and community development projects, as well as a front-line worker with families in crisis, youth in care, and program development for low-income individuals and families, this is where my passion for helping others evolved. Seeing the bigger picture and part of the root issues within our communities encouraged me to continue the line of work to support others utilizing skills developed from the Indigenous Focused Orientated Therapy training that I completed in February 2019.  

I am also a Generational Survivor of the Indian Residential Schools. In contrast, my late Grandmother (Nagwa’on – Sophie Ogen) attended LeJac by Fraser Lake, and my mom Nalii - Ruby attended Prince George College. Her Father, Jerry, was kept at the Indian Hospital at Miller Bay. Their strength and resilience drive me to be the change they wish to see at a young age. My family is very close, and we work together with our food harvests and work hard at upholding the traditional values our late grandmother instilled in us with our Traditional Governance and operating our day-to-day lives with Love, Acceptance, & Respect.