Ashley Jellema
Owner
With a background in psychology and 18 years of experience in the social services and not-for-profit sector, I have developed a passion for growth and development. I spent the beginning of my career providing families and parents with in-home behavioural support. Over the years, I moved into leadership where I specialized in program design and implementation as well as staff development.
Education and Credentials
Registered Member of the Canadian Psychological Association
Certified Trauma Practitioner/Educator
Certified Trainer of the Circle of Courage Model
Certified Trainer in Low Barrier Service Delivery
Honours Degree in Psychology
Advanced Post Graduate Study with Distinction in Behavioural Science
Certification and Training in over 30 areas of Specialization
Trainer Profiles
Summer Wawia
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, but my heart belongs to Gull Bay First Nation, tucked away on the western shores of Lake Nipigon. My journey hasn't been a straight line; it’s been one of resilience. As a third-generation survivor, I carry a heavy legacy: my grandmother survived residential school, and my mother attended Indian day school. That history shaped my family and, for a long time, it shaped me too.
Brian Edwards
Brian Edwards was born in Timmins, raised in Thunder Bay and spent a pivotal time developing professionally while living and working in James Bay, Ontario. Brian joined the James Bay Community Mental Health Program in the early 2000’s working as a Mental Health Counsellor and spent 3 years living in Moose Cree First Nation Territory. After moving back home to Thunder Bay and purchasing a home in Gorham he began showing an interest in facilitating in 2011 while volunteering as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder with Lappe Fire & Emergency Services. Brian soon became a Trainer Facilitator and continues to instruct to his fire brigade to present day. His passion is promoting fire safety and physical and mental health first aid response to his community as a Fire Life Safety Educator and volunteer First Responder and Fire Fighter. He ended his front-line health care career in 2016 and joined St. John Ambulance training Physical First Aid and Mental Health First Aid across Northwestern Ontario. Brian Edwards continues to instruct and promote fire safety and prevention, physical first aid readiness, naloxone administration, harm reduction elements and mental health first aid preparedness for everyone.
Erin Christiansan
Born in Thunder Bay and a proud member of the Kahnawake First Nation, Erin is a dedicated and compassionate individual driven by a profound commitment to helping others. As a third-generation residential school survivor, her upbringing was marked by significant challenges, including her father’s terminal illness and her mother’s ongoing mental health struggles. From a young age, Erin learned the importance of caregiving, managing her parents' medical and mental health needs with strength and resilience.
With lived experience in substance use and mental health, she is actively on her healing journey, continually striving for personal growth. Erin mentors at the Lakehead University Humanities 101 program, sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire others. Having volunteered in first response for two years, her dedication and skill were recognized with a full-time position, which she has held for nearly two years. Her unwavering desire to support those in need makes her an invaluable member of our community and a beacon of hope for many.
Keyra Fox Latto
Hello! I am dedicated to making a difference through education and advocacy.
My journey, shaped by my childhood experiences growing up in foster care, has fueled my passion for teaching and sharing my lived experiences to inspire and support others.