Angela Geddes

CYW

Connor began his career as a Child and Youth Care practitioner over 5 years ago in the community setting supporting street youth and those struggling with various mental health issues and addictions. From there, he transitioned to a more clinical setting supporting children in foster care and their families demonstrating an ability to build rapport and provide an environment to nurture improved self worth, social and life skills. Since then he has focused on one-to-one support for children, youth and young adults who have and various complex presentations with a particular interest in the impact of prenatal exposures including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Connor’s military experience has taught him the value of discipline, flexibility, mentorship and how to coordinate and work with other members of the care team.

RSW

Kelly is a Registered Social Worker (BSW) with knowledge and experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in community-based group and individual settings. Fostering ongoing relationships with individuals by providing assessments, support, and community resources to meet the needs of each individual. Kelly comes with experience in providing a variety of social and life skills groups. She values the collaboration and mutual support that a group setting provides.

Kelly’s community-based experiences have taught her the importance of working together with all members of the care team to provide an individualized approach.

RSW / MSW

Catherine is a registered social worker (MSW), with specialized knowledge and experience working with children, youth and their families with possible or diagnosed FASD. Catherine has over 8 years experience working with clients facing physical, developmental, and mental health challenges. She is passionate about working with children and youth with complex neurodevelopmental disorders, and uses a strength based approach to support her clients. She is passionate about advocating and bringing awareness to FASD to the broader community.

Catherine has experience working as an FASD Consultant, FASD Clinic Coordinator, and Therapist. She has also been involved in a number of community based programs for children and youth with FASD, such as specialized camps, social groups, and mentorship programs. These programs provide opportunities for children, youth, and their parents and caregivers to make connections in the FASD community and find support.

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

Shannon brings with her years of experience teaching yoga and facilitating meditation practices. Shannon has unique skills and perspectives since she has recently been diagnosed with FASD after years of being misdiagnosed and misunderstood. She maintains that the greatest gift the diagnostic clarity has provided for her has been compassion; for herself and for others in her circle. She understands that some of her lifelong challenges were not her fault and how her challenges impacted the people who love and care about her as well.

Shannon is committed to healing out loud and supporting others who are also just learning about the implications of prenatal alcohol exposure on their day-to-day experiences. Shannon participates with Angela Geddes during her sessions with adults because Angela believes that nobody can speak directly to how FASD impacts individuals and families better than those who live this every day! Angela brings research, evidence, Social Work practice standards, safety and expertise to the sessions and insights from a variety of individuals and families. She incorporates customized modalities and Shannon enhances these approaches with real discussions about the challenges and achievements. Together they aim to provide a sense of hope, creativity and inspiration.