Registered social worker providing virtual services during the Covid-19 pandemic

About Us

Emma here - I'm a registered social worker slash human being. I use they/them and she/her pronouns.

​

I have over 5 years of experience in the social work field, working primarily around intimate partner violence, trauma, and self-esteem. Social justice is an important part of my practice and I try to incorporate anti-racist, anti-colonial, anti-oppressive values into my work. 

I identify as a feminist and I try to take an intersectional approach. I try to be an ally to marginalized communities I am not a member of, but I recognize that allyship is a process and not an identity and I welcome any feedback or critique.

​

I have lived experience of trauma and mental health struggles. I am a neurodivergent, non-binary queer human who is raising two queer kids with several other co-parents in downtown Hamilton. In my spare time, I enjoy being a huge nerd about pop culture, loudly defending maligned women in history and fiction, crafting things for the people I love, and listening to science and true crime podcasts. I also like to hang out with my dogs, Macaroni and Andromeda, and my 2 house bunnies, Penny and Leo.

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Izzy Lewis joins us after completing her Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University. Previously, she has held roles supporting women and their children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. She has experience working with new moms experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety as a peer mentor, counsellor, group facilitator, and research assistant.

Reflecting on her own experiences with mental health, she continues to participate as a guest speaker for Kids Can Fly, a not-for-profit organization in Brantford, raising awareness about the stigma that accompanies postpartum depression and anxiety.

Anxiety, depression, postpartum depression and anxiety, illness anxiety disorder, domestic violence, and
trauma are areas of dominant focus.

As we are often at our most vulnerable when attending therapy, she believes in providing a safe
space for clients to explore their issues. Her personal experiences with counselling have
highlighted the importance of building a trusting relationship together. She believes that as a
human being, she does not always have the answers, but is committed to acknowledging client

strengths.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy are some of the modalities she implements when supporting clients.

Outside work and continuing education, she enjoys reading fiction (especially Harry Potter and
Outlander!), socializing, powerlifting, singing (dream job other than a social worker- Broadway singer!), and having games nights with her three boys and husband. A fun fact about her is that
she LOVES Lego!