Lori Schmidt

Compassionate and results-driven mental health and addictions professional with over 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations, including youth impacted by human trafficking, trauma, and substance use. Skilled in program development, clinical coordination, staff supervision, and trauma-informed care. Recognized for strong leadership in complex, high-risk environments and for building collaborative partnerships that enhance safety, healing, and long-term recovery.

Clinical Coordinator at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (2025-10 – Present)

• Provide clinical leadership and coordination within substance health live in the treatment centre.
• Lead program development initiatives to strengthen trauma-informed and culturally grounded service delivery.
• Support and supervise frontline staff in managing complex and high-risk situations.
• Provide guidance on case planning, safety planning, and crisis response.
• Collaborate with internal leadership and external agencies to ensure coordinated care pathways.

Youth Anti-Human Trafficking Program Manager at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (2024-06 – 2025-10)

• Oversee a trauma-informed program supporting youth survivors of human trafficking.
• Ensure compliance with ministry licensing standards while supervising a multidisciplinary team of 12 staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programming focused on safety, empowerment, and long-term healing.
• Maintain strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, schools, mental health providers, and justice partners.

Bed Enhancement Coordinator – Balmoral Withdrawal Management Services at St. Joseph's Care Group (2022 – 2024)

• Coordinated a regional pilot project in partnership with community agencies to enhance withdrawal management access.
• Developed service pathways and reported program metrics to Ontario Health.
• Facilitated interagency working groups and community engagement initiatives.

Team Lead, Addiction Intake Services – Sister Margaret Smith Centre at St. Joseph's Care Group (2011 – 2022)

• Conduct trauma-informed assessments and coordinate access to group, individual, and residential treatment services.
• Guide clients through complex service systems while maintaining compassionate, non-judgmental care.
• Integrate holistic wellness approaches into addiction treatment programming.

Addiction Crisis Worker – Balmoral Centre Withdrawal Program at St. Joseph's Care Group (2007 – 2011)

• Delivered frontline crisis intervention to clients experiencing withdrawal and co-occurring mental health challenges.
• Applied harm reduction strategies and de-escalation techniques in high-acuity environments.

Support Worker at Community Living Thunder Bay (2001 – Present)

• Support individuals with developmental disabilities to promote independence and community participation.

Founder & Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher at Tranquility Yoga and Meditation (2020 – Present)

• Provide trauma-sensitive yoga and meditation for individuals in recovery and those impacted by trauma.

Diploma in Addiction Care – McMaster University (2013)

Certificate in Addiction Studies – McMaster University (2011)