Dr Miriam Sekandi is the CEO of the Break Free Zone Brand. She is a trauma-informed educator, workshop facilitator and healing coach. She supports individuals, families and / or professional groups with addressing ancestral, generational and childhood trauma. Miriam moved from Uganda to Canada in 2006 to pursue graduate Studies at the University of Alberta where she graduated with an MA in Human Ecology (2008) and a PhD in Secondary Education (2018). She is a professional development junkie and lifelong learner. Miriam currently holds the position of President with the ABTN Board.
Admire Dube is an insurance broker in the city of Calgary. He was born in Zimbabwe and attained his Economics degree at Concordia University in Montreal. Admire has a passion to foster economic and financial independence in the black community. He works tirelessly with his clients to ensure they gain financial literacy they need to have a healthy relationship with money. He holds the position of Treasure with the ABTN Board.
Teresa Ohawa is the owner and operator of Arion Aire, the first female, black owned HVAC company operating in Edmonton, Alberta. Teresa moved to Canada from Kenya to pursue her education in Business. Before devoting her work fulltime to Arion Aire, Teresa worked as a Jr Accountant. In addition, she volunteers with Women Building Futures(WBF) and Girls Exploring Trades & Technology as a speaker and mentor. She is the Secretary on the ABTN Board.
Nicole was born and raised in Canada but is of West Indian heritage. For over 20 years, Nicole has been a kindergarten to grade 9 teacher and a consultant with Edmonton Public School Board. Currently, she is the Assistant Principal of an elementary school in NE Edmonton. Nicole has a deep passion for inclusion, diversity and representation in schools and has completed a Masters in Education, focusing on Culturally Responsive Teaching. Nicole is trained in executive coaching and mediation. Nicole enjoys spending her free time with her family, reading, exercising, volunteering at church and supporting various not for profit organizations.
Tracy V. Mapako is a registered social worker in the province of British Columbia currently finishing her studies with Thompson Rivers University. A resident of Edmonton, AB since 2012, Tracy has worked closely with low-income families, newcomer refugee families & families with children with disabilities. Most of Tracy social work experience is centered around family therapy and support. Tracy's passion is working with children with developmental delays such as autism, ADHD, FASD, ODD, FASD as well as children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and trauma. A huge advocate for early childhood education & interventions, Tracy describes herself as "a social worker who is all about that PACE - Positive and Amazing Childhood Experiences." Tracy's enthusiasm to support families has led to vast work & volunteer experience with non-profit organizations and respite care agencies. Currently, Tracy works very closely with the reunification team in order to facilitate the bringing back together of families that have had Children's Services involvement. Tracy continues to work with teens and young children and their families with the goal of bringing the family circle together again. Tracy facilitates several Family Group Conferences as well as Family Circles in order to establish family support and to begin the healing process caused by trauma. The vast majority of Tracy's experience is with Indigenous families, and she has a wealth of knowledge & training with different tribes thought Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Tracy is a certified play therapist for children under the age of 5 & she also trains parents for Nobody's Perfect, Tripple P Parenting & Brain Builders. Tracy is glad to be a member of ABTN & looks forward to enriching the lives of the black community & black therapists that call Alberta home.
I was born in Jinja, Uganda. Growing up in a culturally rich and diverse nation, I developed a deep appreciation for the traditions, values, and sense of community that define Ugandan society. These formative years instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a love for learning that would prove invaluable in the years to come. In 1996, my life took a significant turn when I took a bold decision to relocate to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This move was driven by curiosity, a pursuit of new opportunities and a desire for personal and professional growth. Adapting to a new country, culture, and climate was not without its challenges, but I faced them with determination and a positive attitude. I pursued my education in the health field at The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton (NAIT). Following my education, I embarked on a rewarding career path in the health sector, where I made significant contributions for over 17 years. My thirst for education did not end there, I took on a new role as Newcomer/Immigrant Liaison after studying Settlement Studies at NorQuest college. Throughout my time in Edmonton, I have been an active member of the community, volunteering for various causes and organizations. Such as Edmonton Food Bank, Uganda Culture Association of Alberta, and Alberta Black Therapist Network. I have demonstrated a commitment to giving back and supporting those in need, reflecting the strong sense of community spirit I inherited from my Ugandan upbringing. In addition to my professional pursuits, and community involvement, my passion for gardening mirrors my commitment to nurturing growth and fostering connections, essential qualities in my work with newcomers. My love for hiking parallels the resilience required assisting newcomers as they embark on their new journeys, and lastly my cooking enthusiasm embodies the appreciation I have for diverse cuisines and cultural integration that I advocate for in my role.
Crystal is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and she holds a Masters of Arts (MA) in Counselling Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience working with marginalized populations. Crystal has a long career working with children, youth and families. She has worked in residential care as a frontline counsellor and team leader in various programs. She has worked in programs as a developmental behavioural aide, intake coordinator, behavioural strategist for FSCD programs and team trainer/program facilitator. She also runs her own private practice, Crystal Clarissa Counselling Therapy and Behavioural Supports, where she provides individual therapy and behavioral consultation. Crystal also works for a nonprofit agency and she enjoys supporting program clients, staff and running DBT therapy groups
Simone Swenson is honored to serve as a board member for the Alberta Black Therapist Network (ABTN). She has been a member of ABTN since its inception in 2020. As a Registered Psychologist, her career spans diverse experiences across the mental health continuum. In addition to running her private counseling practice, Healing Journey Psychological Services, she works in public healthcare and serves as a professor in two Master of Counselling programs. Originally from Jamaica, Simone moved to Alberta for her university studies, inspired by a personal experience with a family member diagnosed with schizophrenia. This early encounter ignited her passion for psychology, leading her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a master’s in counseling, and clinical registration. Now based in Calgary, she is deeply committed to supporting mental health within Black communities. Beyond her professional work, Simone enjoys playing golf, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to contributing to the Alberta Black Therapist Network, supporting its mission to uplift and empower Black mental health professionals and the communities they serve.
