Lydia (She/Her) is a neurodivergent woman of mixed-settler heritage, an allied researcher, and holds a Master of Public Health in Indigenous Health from the University of Toronto. She currently is working towards becoming a board certified behavioral analyst. Who employs culturally safe, and trauma informed approaches that are strengths based. Her current educational pursuits in Autism and Behavioral Sciences is to better support her current efforts and strides in Disability Advocacy directing a youth led non-profit organization (Coalition of Neurodivergent Youth). To use both lived experience, and educational pursuits to achieve goals, in working with communities to support neuroinclusivity, and youth empowerment/development.

She’s grateful to work in Dish with One Spoon Treaty Territory and has worked as a Research Analyst at the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples since May (2022), supporting research development related to Indigenous homelessness, housing, health, and child-welfare. She’s passionate about Indigenous research ethics/methodologies-that are rooted in reciprocity, and foster strengths-based approaches. Lydia leverages her unique identities, lived experiences, and education to support Indigenous self-determination/sovereignty and is deeply committed to meaningful engagement and advocacy.

Lydia also has extensive experience in leadership, project management, student success, community engagement, and professional/academic writing. She is committed to best practices that are ethical and meaningful in all engagement that is culturally safe, and trauma informed, and incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging in all work and learning spaces I engage with is a priority for me.

Lydia is passionate about health equity, public health policy, community development, and community-based knowledge translation. I am very interested in promoting well-being of Indigenous populations and addressing the structural barriers as it relates to mental, physical, social, environmental, and health, in a way that is culturally safe, trauma-informed and supports Indigenous self-determination.

Areas of Strength and Expertise:
Health Promotion | Indigenous Determinants of Health | Health Equity | Homelessness Research | Mental Health | Harm Reduction | Anti-Oppression | Indigenous Health | Women's Health | Neurotrauma | Health Communication | Community Based Knowledge Translation | Facilitation/Public Speaking | Academic/Professional Writing | Cultural Safety | Well-being | Justice | Global Health | Community Development | Disability Studies