Manitoba College of Social Workers
Term ends: 10/30/2029
Please give a brief biography, including your education, licensure or certification level and employment history:
I have enthusiastically worked in social services over the past two decades working in addictions, homelessness, child protection and eventually law. My legal practice has focused on working with people who are interacting with the child welfare system, people experiencing family violence, and people whose rights have been compromised.
I have worked as a children’s lawyer in family and child protection proceedings throughout my career and recognizes the high impact of family violence on children. In my current role, I work for the Government of Manitoba to provide support to families going through separation and divorce. Throughout my practice, I have worked alongside social workers. My involvement in the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW) is largely driven by the close nature of the work I’ve done with social workers and the deep respect he holds for the profession. I have become very interested in self-regulation as a result of my work with the MCSW, and as a member of a different self-regulated profession, I frequently rely on my professional experience to understand the regulation-related issues that arise through the MCSW board.
Give a synopsis of your regulatory and professional experience. Please emphasize your involvement with ASWB:
I have been a board member with the Manitoba College of Social Workers for three 3-year terms with a forth scheduled to begin in October 2026. In this capacity, I have taken training with ASWB when our college adopted its membership with the organization. In addition to regulatory experience as a board member, I am also a member of a self-regulated profession (lawyer) and have been since 2013.
Finally, make a brief statement on the major issues you see facing ASWB, and how you would address them:
Given the political realities in North America, Social Work fundamentals are being challenged. The role of a regulator may find itself at odds with rapidly changing laws, and helping individual regulatory colleges balance their responsibilities will be critical. This will require research, understanding and dialogue to properly address the concerns that arise. Providing standardized testing in the face of these same issues may prove challenging as the landscape shifts. It is also for the ASWB to ensure that the content of the examination is culturally nuanced to meet the needs of the various jurisdictions it serves. This can be done with fulsome and ongoing consultation.