WELLNESS DEPARTMENT
The purpose for SȾÁUTW̱ ’s Wellness Department is to develop and implement culturally appropriate Wellness programs, activities, and initiatives to promote Mental, Emotional and Physical Health within the SȾÁUTW̱ community members.
We will continue to identify community needs and develop the appropriate programming that reflects our unique cultural context by collaborating with Elders, community members, and knowledge keepers (leaders). After collaboration, we will provide programming directly to SȾÁUTW̱ members, individually and groups.
Our Services
Wellness Counsellors
Our Wellness Counsellors are committed to supporting your holistic health and providing you with the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges and improve your mental health. This role is vital in providing culturally attuned guidance and emotional support, tailored to your individual needs.
Our Wellness Counsellors assist with a wide range of issues, from stress management and emotional well-being to improving lifestyle choices and overall health. Our one-on-one counselling also covers relationship issues, professional burnout, grief management, trauma healing, and help building confidence and addressing insecurities. Our end goal is to enhance your spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Vassilena Johns, RPC, Wellness Counsellor
Vassilena is committed to supporting your holistic health and providing you with the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges and improve your mental health. This role is vital in providing culturally attuned guidance and emotional support, tailored to your individual needs.
Our Wellness Counsellor assists with a wide range of issues including and not limited to:
- Stress management
- Anxiety/depression
- Emotional well-being
- Improving lifestyle choices
- Grief and Loss
- Skill building around regulating feelings
- Overall health
Our one-on-one counselling also covers relationship issues, professional burnout, grief management, trauma healing, and helps build confidence and address insecurities. Our end goal is to enhance your spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Alan Boden, M.A, RCC
For the last 26 years, Alan has been practicing as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and is prepared to serve you – helping you to achieve your goals and make those wanted changes in your life. He provides comprehensive and supportive mental health counselling, with caring, useful strategies to help you move forward in your life, whether in person, or virtually. Alan works with individuals, youth, couples, parents and families that need help or guidance.
Alan can help you with:
- Anxiety/Depression
- Low Self-Esteem
- Career/Life Transitions
- Grief and Loss
- Skill building around regulating feelings
- Eating Disorders
- Marriage & relationship counselling
- Addiction
- Recovery from traumatic experiences
- parenting
This is a saying that resonates with Alan and with his work: “life is hard – but the suffering is optional.”
Family Advocate
Our Family Advocates are dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for SȾÁUTW̱ children and families through a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services, and the Jordan’s Principle. We assist in navigating various social services, educational opportunities, and healthcare resources.
We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and challenges, offering guidance, mediation, and support to ensure every family member thrives. Through advocacy and empowerment, we help foster a resilient and supportive community environment, ensuring that the voices of all families are heard and respected.
Youth Program
SȾÁUTW̱ Youth Program supports youth aged 12-18 from our community, with up to 50 participants each year. Our program runs after school during the school year and offers summer and spring break camps. Activities include learning about our culture, arts and crafts like regalia making, bone game set creation, and cedar stripping. Youth interact with Elders, and work with different departments like Fisheries, Lands and Wellness departments. We enjoy day trips, fundraisers, and other engaging activities. Join us to celebrate our heritage and empower our young people. Please register if you are interested in participating. Open to registered SȾÁUTW̱ youth and youth in the community.
