My Writing

My Journal & Blog Posts

Reflections on workplace violence, systemic failures, and the courage it takes to speak truth to power. Each post is a step toward meaningful change.

All Posts

Breaking the culture of shame. hands reaching out through barriers

Breaking the Culture of Shame by Sharing

Throughout my recovery journey, I've had the chance to reflect on my 20 years within the child welfare system...

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A one-way street sign on an urban road representing systemic barriers

The One Way Streets of Our Systems

The standards in our systems seem like one-way streets. None of the services I encountered would have tolerated even a minute of what I experienced...

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Silenced voices. a visual metaphor for being told to stay quiet

A Culture of Shame, Suffocated by Messages to Be Quiet

I lived in a culture of shame, suffocated by constant messages to be passive and quiet...

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Helping hands reaching upward representing mutual support

We All Have a Role to Play in Helping Those That Help

In helping professions, it's impossible to completely avoid exposure to trauma and hardship...

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A paycheque representing the choice between silence and speaking out

My Story vs a Paycheque

I've chosen to share my story rather than prioritize my employment because I believe there's value in revealing what I've experienced...

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Due diligence concept. professional responsibility in helping systems

We Cannot Rely on Others for Our Own Due Diligence

The tragic case of Jordan Heikamp's death in Toronto in 1997, highlights a critical lesson for those working in helping professions...

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Forbidden conversations. breaking the silence on workplace issues

In 2024 We Need to Make Forbidden Conversations Acceptable

I experienced firsthand how workplace harassment and unaddressed issues can escalate without intervention...

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Group of people looking away, illustrating the bystander effect

Bystander Effect in an Organization

What happened to me was a direct result of Bystander effect in organizations...

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One-way street sign representing unequal policy standards

Child Welfare's One Way Street Policy

My situation highlights the opportunity to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by social workers...

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Hidden realities. what we can't change while it stays hidden

We Can't Change What Is Real If It Is Being Hidden

When our brain is repeatedly exposed to certain messages, they eventually become familiar and feel 'normal'...

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The definition of insanity. repeating the same patterns expecting different results

The Truest Definition of Insanity

The messages I received from our justice system, law enforcement, the NS College of Social Workers...

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Gender-based violence awareness. expanding the definition to workplaces

Expanding the Definition of Gender-Based Violence to Include the Workplace

I am committed to advancing the understanding of gender-based violence by advocating for its inclusion in workplace policies...

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Patterned responses to women. societal systems dismissing safety concerns

Our Patterned Responses to Women

Our social systems often dismiss or undermine women's safety concerns, contributing to situations of violence and risk...

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When employment becomes the source of harm. isolation and workplace threats

When Your Employment Becomes the Source of Your Harm

Isolation hurts. Exclusion and abandonment hurts. Threats to your livelihood are scary...

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