Helping you navigate Your path to autonomy
Helping you navigate Your path to autonomy
To assist single parents of modest means in the Region of Waterloo and Guelph/Wellington County – particularly those who have experienced intimate partner violence – to overcome the unique barriers that obstruct income security and overall autonomy, through a needs-based, client-centered, trauma-informed approach.
We understand that if you are a single parent, you are really busy and you may be stuck. You may not know how to secure child support and other entitlements. You may not have the resources to secure childcare just to interview for a job. You may want to go back to school. You may feel unwell. You are surely really tired.
Onward Single Parent Advocates are here to help to guide you through the barriers that you are facing towards autonomy.
We recognize that if you are working with us, you are likely in the midst of a very challenging period in your life. We engage every client with sensitivity and an understanding that each individual has unique concerns that may require unique solutions.
We know that single parents do not want to rely upon social assistance for income support, and often really appreciate guidance towards resources as well as other non-financial supports to overcome their reliance upon it.
This program is here to help clients through both the court process and beyond it, and it is completely client-inspired.
I have worked with hardworking single parents in receipt of income support throughout my career, who, due to a lack of other supports, resources, privilege and time, just felt stuck. I have been inspired by these incredible people working with them as a Family Lawyer, and previously as a Family Support Worker and community clinic legal worker too.
While working with these incredible people through the family court process as their lawyer, I quickly realized that a favourable court order was not always the end of their struggle, even though it was a really important component of increasing safety, stability and funds for many of them and their children. Often, other removable barriers, beyond the scope of a traditional family lawyer's role, were prevented many of my clients from becoming more autonomous. This program is for them and for single parents like them, who just need some additional help to move onward past their obstacles to where they want to go.
Legal
I have worked with clients involved in matters at the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, Landlord and Tenant Board, Social Benefits Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and Health Services Appeal and Review Board.
I graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2015 and articled at HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO). During law school, I worked at Parkdale Community Legal Services. I also worked as a Family Support Worker for the Region of Waterloo, supporting clients through the family court process, prior to opening my law practice.
Personal
I grew up in London, Ontario, and have also resided in Thunder Bay and Toronto for significant periods prior to opening my law practice in the Region of Waterloo and Guelph/Wellington County. I have two children with my spouse and have been involved in different capacities with groups committed to social change. In addition to spending time with my family and helping them pursue their interests, I enjoy playing music.
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