Trisha is an Anishnaabe-Kwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island, ON). With Mnidoo Mnising being home, Trisha has always had a strong connection to the land and community. She is a proud Zigos (Auntie) and spends her free time with her English Springer Spaniel.

Trisha completed her Bachelor of Arts, Honours degree in Sociology with a minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph in 2016. She also obtained a Master of Science in Aging and Health in 2020 from Queen’s University. Trisha has a passion for community-based research and its ability to propel community development. She currently sits on an advisory committee for a community-based research project on Mindoo Mnising.

Trisha has worked with the Naandwechige Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre as a Research Assistant with the ACHWM (Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children’s Health and Well-being Measure); with the Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team as a Mental Wellness Support Worker and casual Crisis Responder; and as the Resolution Health Support Worker with Noojmowin Teg Health Centre.

Trisha strives to help others in their wellness journey toward Mino-Bimaadiziwin by encouraging the practice of self-care, mindfulness, and self-reflection. She has developed skills in health promotion, crisis response, and trauma-informed care. Trisha is also skilled in project development, program implementation, community-based research, and evaluation.

Having supported communities as a frontline worker, Trisha is familiar with the needs impacting mental wellness service providers and the importance of advocating for systemic change that fosters hope, belonging, meaning, and purpose among Indigenous communities and their members. Trisha appreciates the opportunity to support and advocate for Indigenous health and wellness. She looks forward to working alongside Indigenous leaders, organizations, and communities across Turtle Island in supporting wellness initiatives.