Counsellor.
Researcher.
Advocate.
Educator.

About Susan

Welcome to my page. I began my academic journey with a Social Service Worker diploma from Mohawk College in 2004. After several years of experience in the social services field, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Athabasca University in 2016, followed by a Master of Arts in Gender Studies and Feminist Research and a PhD in the School of Social Work from McMaster University. I have extensive experience working in non-profit settings, with a primary focus on women’s services in the areas of addiction and mental health. My specialized training in trauma-informed care and feminist counselling informs my critical approach to traditional service delivery models, particularly those rooted in the medical model. I also identify as a chronic vestibular migraine patient and a cancer survivor. These perspectives have been foundational in shaping both my research and clinical practice. I am the founder of Mending Minds, a private practice based in Hamilton, Ontario, and teach as a sessional instructor at McMaster University in the School of Social Work and the Health, Aging and Society Department. I am a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), holding both Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) designations.  In my downtime,  you'll generally find me out in my community walking my dogs, enjoying a good hike on the Bruce trail, playing my guitar, or hanging out at home with my 3 cats and a good book!