Emergency Shelter Worker/Addictions Support
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"I am a dedicated Overnight Emergency Shelter Worker specializing in Addictions and Mental Health Support. With 28 years of combined professional and lived experience, I bring a calm, trauma-informed presence to high-acuity environments during the critical overnight hours.
Having walked the path of recovery myself, I speak the language of the street and build authentic rapport with guests who are often the hardest to reach. I am an expert in Harm Reduction (Naloxone/overdose response) and Crisis De-escalation, ensuring the building remains safe while focusing on housing-first goals.
Addiction & Mental Health Support | Overnight Emergency Shelter Specialist | Lived Experience Advocate
I offer a unique "dual perspective" to the Calgary frontline, backed by 28 years of combined professional and lived experience. My career in human services is fueled by my own journey: I spent 20 years navigating addiction and 2.5 years surviving the streets before reclaiming my life and my purpose.
As a founding staff member of The Mustard Seed Red Deer, I learned the "boots-on-the-ground" mechanics of running a successful housing-focused shelter. Now, I have relocated to Calgary to stay—bringing my grit, heart, and professional expertise to this city’s most vulnerable populations.
What I bring to the team:
• Frontline Expertise: Extensive experience in overnight shelter operations, intake, and site safety. I thrive during the high-acuity hours when calm, decisive leadership is needed most.
• Addictions & Mental Health: I don't just study these topics; I understand the language of the street. I specialize in building authentic trust with "hard-to-reach" individuals.
• Harm Reduction: Fully proficient in crisis de-escalation and life-saving measures, including Naloxone administration and overdose response.
• Housing-Focused Advocacy: Committed to the belief that shelter is a bridge, not a destination. I focus on helping guests navigate the path toward stable housing and identity restoration.
Why Calgary?
After 49 years in Red Deer, I made the intentional choice to walk away from my past to secure my future. I am here to be the mother and grandmother my family deserves and to serve the Calgary community with the wisdom only a survivor can provide.
Addiction and Mental Health Support Worker Diploma
Lived Experience & Peer Advocacy Training
• Specialization: Addiction Recovery, Street-Level Navigation, and Identity Restoration.
