The face behind Koru
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
Spotted Dog Lady - Summer Reilly
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Spotted Dog Lady carries her native name with pride. As a member of the Bear Clan, she embodies strength and protection. Her roots run deep in the Gull Bay First Nation, also known as Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, located on the serene western shores of Lake Nipigon, two hours north of Thunder Bay.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Superior and the rich cultural heritage of her people, Spotted Dog Lady found inspiration and guidance in the Bear Clan. The values of courage, resilience, and leadership were instilled in her from a young age.
Spotted Dog Lady’s journey is one of profound resilience. As a third-generation residential school survivor, she carries the legacy of her grandmother, who attended residential school, and her mother, who attended Indian day school. These experiences have deeply influenced her family’s history and her own path. Despite becoming a grade 9 dropout and living on the streets between Thunder Bay and Toronto from ages 12 to 18, she never lost sight of her potential.
Her struggle with substance use was a significant challenge, stifling her potential until she was 24. However, she discovered that the more she learned, the less anger she felt. This realization became a turning point, igniting a passion for education and personal growth.
Today, Spotted Dog Lady stands as a beacon of hope and strength. She has found empowerment in her heritage and community, intertwining her journey with the traditions and stories of her ancestors. Committed to preserving and sharing her heritage, she actively participates in community events, cultural practices, and personal storytelling. Her dedication to honoring the legacy of her family and contributing to the strength and unity of Gull Bay First Nation is unwavering.
Spotted Dog Lady’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, learning, and cultural pride. She continues to inspire others with her journey, proving that no matter the challenges, one can rise above and make a meaningful impact.
Education and Credentials
Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Certified Mental Health First Aid - First Nations Trainer
Lived Experience
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.
Education and Credentials
Lakehead University Bachelor of Arts Psychology Major
St. John Ambulance
Fire & Life Safety Educator Level I Public Information Officer Firefighter Level II Instructor Level I (NFPA 1041) Lappe Fire & Emergency Services East Gorham Fire & Rescue (2016)
Other Training Offered
Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Peer to Peer, Managers & Leaders
Babysitting Basics (What Every Babysitter Needs to Know)
Wilderness First Aid
Emergency First Aid/Basic First Aid
Standard First Aid/Intermediate First Aid
Basic Life Support First Aid/Health Care Provider
Opioid Poisoning & Response Training (program funding ended May 2024)
How to use a Fire Extinguisher
Talking about Mental Health in the Volunteer Fire Service (late 2024)
Arson Awareness & Prevention Actions for Parents & Caregivers (late 2024)
Fire Safety for Everyone
Bear Safety in Northwestern Ontario
Mental Health First Aid Basic (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
First Aid Kit Build
Opioid Poisoning Awareness & Nasal Naloxone Response Workshop
Choking Emergency Prevention & Response Training for Parents & Caregivers
Men & Selfcare (late 2024)
Erin
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.
Education and Credentials
First Response
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
First Aid/AED Instructor (Heart & Stroke Foundation)
Youth Speakers
Keyra
Hello! My name is Keyra Fox Latto, and I am an Indigenous youth 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.
Background
Indigenous Heritage: Proudly rooted in my Indigenous culture, I bring a unique perspective to my teachings, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and community.
Foster Care Experience: Having navigated the foster care system, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with it. My lived experiences provide valuable insights into the realities faced by many Indigenous youth in care.
Teaching and Advocacy
Educational Workshops: I conduct workshops and seminars to educate others about the foster care system, its impact on Indigenous children, and the importance of cultural sensitivity and support.
Storytelling: Through storytelling, I share my personal journey, highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous youth. My stories aim to inspire and empower others facing similar challenges.
Community Engagement: Actively involved in community initiatives, I work to create supportive environments for Indigenous youth, advocating for better policies and practices within the foster care system.
Goals
Empowerment: To empower Indigenous youth by sharing my story and providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Awareness: To raise awareness about the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in foster care and the need for systemic change.
Cultural Preservation: To promote the preservation and celebration of Indigenous cultures within the foster care system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to connect with their heritage.
I am committed to making a positive impact and fostering a better future for Indigenous children and youth. Through education, advocacy, and community.