Personal Bio

Valerie's path to becoming a (RSW) Registered Social Worker was not linear.

In 2010, Valerie started to dip her toe into the social work field by working at the YMCA of Stratford as a yoga instructor and camp counselor, and volunteering at Huron Perth Children's Aid. Simultaneously, Valerie worked in financial services for three years and gained her (LLQP) Life Insurance License and Mutual Funds License. In 2014, she decided to dive right in and work her way at her degree. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Development Studies in 2016 and (BSW) Bachelor of Social Work from University of Waterloo in 2018. Also, she graduated with a (MSW) Masters of Social work from the University of Windsor in 2020.

Prior to 2010, Valerie worked for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts across Canada for nine years, serving in front line and managerial roles. She holds a diploma in Hotel Management from Fanshawe College.

Valerie worked at several social service agencies in the Kitchener area - notably YMCA Immigrant and Employment Service, John Howard Society, Grand River Hospital - Adult Inpatient Mental Health, KW Counseling, and Two Rivers Family Health Team. Throughout these work experiences, whether she has been bedside with someone experiencing homelessness, speaking privately with a pregnant teen, or guiding a professional through a catastrophic loss and grief, she continues to be humbled and honoured to be trusted by people and their personal stories.

Valerie is extremely passionate about uplifting people and helping them become their greatest potential. Despite all the education and achievements, Valerie understands struggle and knows that pain is part of life. She will seek out your innate strengths and help reflect that back to you, even in your most difficult moments.