About Board of Directors

Jennifer Meixner is a registered Social Worker with the MCSW. She is a lifelong learner who has completed a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Conflict Resolution Studies, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance. In the fall of 2024, Jen started her doctoral studies in Social Work at the University of Manitoba. Jen is committed to social justice and is particularly passionate about Indigenous Justice. As a Metis woman with ancestral ties to Treaty 1 and 2 territories, she continues to engage with Indigenous knowledge and community. Jen’s early career began with Manitoba Justice where she held a number of positions in the Community Corrections division, such as, Community Corrections Worker, Probation Officer, Intensive Rehabilitative Custody Sentence (IRCS) Coordinator, Sentencing Conference Coordinator, and YCJA Provincial Court Report Writer.

These roles offered significant opportunities to conduct comprehensive case management, assessment and recommendations, as well as operational experience for service delivery. After over 10 years with Manitoba Justice, Jen went on to be an Advocacy Officer at the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth. At MACY, she expanded her knowledge of Provincial service delivery and systemic advocacy. In 2021, Jen answered the call to serve the community; she went on to work with First Nations in the area of self-governance and Indigenous rights. Most recently, she launched a private practice where she does clinical work, as well as consulting, capacity & program development with Indigenous-led community-based initiatives and programs. In July 2022, Jennifer joined Booth University College as an Assistant Professor in the Social Work department, where she was previously a sessional instructor since 2019. She has also been teaching in the Indigenous Studies department at the University of Winnipeg as a sessional instructor since 2016. Her most beloved role however, is being a Mom to her two young sons and their many pets.

Since 2015, Beatrice has worked with Indigenous Health to facilitate the resolution of concerns/complaints about care received from WRHA facilities and programs. She also develops and delivers education to promote culturally safe practice and collaborative care. Prior to this role, she worked for 13 years in the Home Care Program as a Case Management Specialist and as a Case Coordinator. Beatrice has contributed extensively to WRHA regional committees, policy development, and staff education. Beatrice has served on the MCSW Complaints Committee since 2018, and on the Board since 2019.

Beatrice has a BSW from the University of Manitoba and a Certificate in Health Care Management from Red River College. Prior to this, Beatrice worked for 11 years in various Indigenous community organizations, in an administrative capacity. Beatrice is Cree/French from the Edmonton area, as well as a member of the Frog Lake First Nation in Alberta. She enjoys living in St. Andrews with her husband, Rob, son, Connor, and fur baby, Josey. In her spare time, she has been enjoying becoming a bit of a “photography nerd”.

This will be Rikki’s second term on the Board of Directors at the Manitoba College of Social Work. She has been participating as a member of the Finance Committee and has also been participating in Registration Appeals.

Rikki (she/her/elle) completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba and completed her Advanced Field Placement by cofacilitating a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions alongside members of the Student Mental Health Service team to support learners from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Rikki is a registered ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) trainer. Rikki is passionate about suicide prevention and increasing the skill and ability of diverse participants to support those with thoughts of suicide.

Rikki has previous experience within the social work profession, including six years of work in community development and counselling in the francophone community for a non-profit agency. In addition, Rikki has experience working within the mental health field as a Community Mental Health Worker for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Rikki’s most recent position is at the University of Manitoba in Student Support Services supporting learners from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Inner-City Social Work program. She works collaboratively with various units on campus to promote wellness for learners with various needs.

Rikki views Board membership as a way for her to help shape the vision of the Social Work profession. Rikki believes that it is important to continue to promote the values of inclusivity, reconciliation and anti-oppressive ways of practicing.

Rikki is a strong proponent for the environment and what it means for people, given the increasing impacts of the climate crisis. Rikki believes that her passion for the environment and her experience

Salina is a registered social worker and received her MSW and BSW from the University of Manitoba. Salina’s qualitative MSW thesis study explored the caregiving and bereavement experiences of palliative care caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Salina’s MSW coursework focused on leadership, management and policy in social work. Salina is passionate about health equity and advocating for a health care system that is safe, equitable and accessible for all. Salina is currently working on her CHE- Certified Health Executive designation with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Salina currently works as the Provincial Clinical Services Consultant- Palliative Care & Primary Care with Shared Health. In this role, she leads and supports various projects and inititiaves in the areas of palliative care and primary care. Prior to her current role, she worked as the Palliative Care Social Worker and Social Work Lead at Riverview Health Centre. From 2016-2019, Salina served a 3-year term as a board member with Aurora Family Therapy Centre where she held positions of Chair as well as Vice Chair. Salina is currently on the Executive Board for the Manitoba College of Social Workers and is the Manitoba Director on the Board for the Canadian Association of Social Work. Salina is a member of several MCSW and CASW committees.

Salina is passionate about social work, regulation and promoting the social work profession. She believes that the College and the Board play an essential role in regulating, educating and advancing excellence in social work practice. Salina is honoured to be serving on the Board of Directors for MCSW and to have the opportunity to promote the College’s strategic plan.

Wil Hedges is a family lawyer practicing in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario in the field of family law and child protection. As such, he has gained an appreciation for the critical nature of the role social workers have in the lives of their clients. He has observed that a positive relationship between social workers and clients can beneficially impact outcomes for families.

He is currently working with Norwest Coop Community Health’s family violence team providing free legal advice to women who have experienced family violence and are exploring their legal options. He is a panel member with Legal Aid Manitoba, Legal Aid Ontario and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer in Ontario. Wil is also currently working with the University of Winnipeg’s Human Rights and Diversity office assisting with conflict resolution and the screening of complaints within the University community.

Wil and his partner (a social work Educator) have three kids who keep them busy, but in case that’s not enough, they also have three dogs and a cat.

Prior to his call to the bar in 2013 in Ontario and Manitoba, Wil worked as a non-social worker child protection worker. As a current member of a different professional college, Wil sees the benefits associated with professional membership.

Wil previously sat on the first MCSW board of directors for its first 6 years. He is happy to be back.

Cecilly Hildebrand graduated from Canadian Mennonite University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2012, and is currently completing her Masters of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. Her research area focuses on trauma and complicated grief and the association to mindful self-compassion.

Cecilly is the founding Executive Director for Candace House, a new and first-of-its-kind organization providing wrap-around support to families during their interaction with the legal system following the homicide of a loved one.

With over fifteen years of experience, Cecilly has a diverse background in social services. She has previously held positions as a Crisis Counselor and Intake Coordinator at Agape House Women’s Shelter, Program Assistant for Victims’ Voice, Access Worker for Manitoba Possible, and Youth Care Practitioner for Marymound. She also loves to teach and was a Mental Health First Aid instructor for several years prior to the pandemic, and is currently in the process of recertifying.

Cecilly has also volunteered together with her golden retriever, Asher, through the Therapy Dog Program at St. John Ambulance. You can often find them, along with her exuberant short-haired pointer puppy, Olive, hiking and exploring around our beautiful province.

Grace Holwell is a settler living on Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba and working towards her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba (UM). Grace grew up near the ocean in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq people. Her main area of interest includes examining the many intersections of sexual, reproductive, and gender-affirming health, specifically 2SLGBTQQIA+ health. Grace is working towards the goal of making sexual health anti-oppressive, decolonial, sex-positive, pro-choice, accessible, nonjudgmental, and free from violence. When not volunteering or being immersed in research, Grace enjoys baking, spending time with loved ones, and cuddling her cat, Dodger.

Grace discovered her passion for equitable and safe healthcare while volunteering for organizations throughout and after her undergrad that promoted social justice, such as the Sexual Health Resource Centre at Acadia University and the Halifax Sexual Health Centre. Grace was also afforded the opportunity to be on the Youth Advocacy Network for Action Now Atlantic, where she worked on a campaign promoting sexual violence prevention, education, and response in postsecondary campuses in Atlantic Canada. Currently, Grace sits on the Board of Directors for the South Shore Sexual Centre as Vice Chair, overseeing the organization's policy adherence, financial management, and assessment of long-term goals. As the Knowledge, Translation, and Exchange Strategist for the Village Lab at UM, Grace works to bridge the gap between the Village Lab’s research and the wider community to improve the health and well-being of marginalized and equity-seeking populations in HIV/STBBI testing and harm reduction in Manitoba.

Recently, Grace completed her first practicum at Wolseley Elm under the supervision of Thomas Wardell. In this role, she worked with a range of clients, mainly those in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, providing counselling and resources. Grace gained insights into the ethical considerations of private practice, managed ethical dilemmas, engaged in different treatment modalities (individual, couple, and group), and learned how to conduct anti-oppressive practice. As a lifelong learner, Grace is eager to begin her second practicum placement at the Sexual Violence Resource Centre on the UM campus.

Eye of the Storm, also known by her colonial name Kaysi Katchmar, is First Nations Anishinaabe Ikwe. Kaysi’s passion for social work started in 2010 when she studied one of the introductory courses to the program while working on her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Manitoba; she was instantly hooked. Kaysi applied and was accepted into the Northern Social Work Program in her home community of Thompson. Kaysi’s educational journey flourished due to the number of opportunities a rural community, like Thompson, could offer. Kaysi completed her degree with Deans Honours and the University of Achievement. Kaysi was also asked to be a part of the Ambassador Program for Social Work. She was a part of two research projects facilitated in Thompson focusing on Sexual Exploitation and Homelessness in Youth. With these opportunities, Kaysi was able to meet, connect and build relationships with community leaders.

Following graduation, Kaysi accepted a position with the Northern Health Region as a Crisis Services Coordinator for the Northern Crisis Services for Youth in Thompson. This opportunity allowed for connections with youth in remote communities, supporting mental health promotion activities, and striving to improve access and enhance mental health services available to youth. In 2013, Kaysi accepted a position as an Elementary School Counsellor in Thompson. In 2023, Kaysi accepted the School Clinician role in the Student Services Department at RD Parker Collegiate. Kaysi loves the diversity of the students and families they serve and welcomes the many hats that come with her role. Kaysi has been able to provide placement opportunities for Social Work Students and has continued to learn more about her own practice through them. Kaysi has continued to coach Varsity Volleyball since 2019.

Kaysi has been a Registered Member of the College in good standing since 2014. Kaysi wishes to give voice to the North as a Board Member of the MCSW. Kaysi believes that there is a distinct need for connectivity for the Northern Members to build relationships and resources with their Southern neighbors. Kaysi also considers it imperative that Northern Members have access to training opportunities to satisfy their competencies. Kaysi intends to strive to help bridge the gap and make these connections easier for the Northern Members.

Dr. Michael Minor (he/they) is a cis-het white man born in Thunder Bay, Ontario (subject to the Robinson-Superior Treaty). As a high-school student in the International Baccalaureate Programme, Michael was a distinguished student, cross-country runner, musician, and advocate for food security. He moved to Peterborough, Ontario to attend Trent University, graduating with honours with a BAH in English Literature and Political Studies. During his time at Trent, Michael was an Academic AllCanadian and captain of the cross-country running team, food security advocate through Trent Meal Exchange, student radio host, soloist with the Peterborough Singers, and board member of the Seasoned Spoon Café, a student run local, organic, and ethical alternative to the corporate food service provider at the university. Upon graduation he moved to St. John’s Newfoundland to pursue an MA in Newfoundland literature, where he lived for two years. During these years he was a soloist with Newman Sound chamber choir and sang in the Memorial University chamber choir. He also used his final year of eligibility to compete nationally as a varsity cross country runner. After completing the MA, Michael moved to the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where he taught middle school until deciding to continue his education at the University of Manitoba. Michael’s PhD is in English and his SSHRC funded research focused on Indigenous prairie poetry as a model for decolonization in the settlercolonial context. After some time of post-doctoral studies in Caribbean and Indigenous literary alliances, Michael accepted an academic writing Instructor position at the University of Manitoba in the Inner City Social Work Program (ICSWP), where he has worked since 2017. A true life-long learner, Michael soon began studies towards an MSW degree. He was admitted to U of M’s inaugural offering of a two-year MSW for students who have not earned a BSW. He is now on study leave from teaching and aiming to complete the final year of the MSW, graduating in 2025.

Through his vested interests in decolonization, employment at the ICSWP, and completion of the first half of the MSW, Michael has been impacted by the pronounced need for finding the balance point between the vigorous theoretical study of decolonization and crucially applied practice of social work as a profession. Indigenous and decolonial studies would benefit immensely by taking a more active role in the material realities of colonial violence that social work is almost always contending with. Similarly, social work could benefit from the work of many scholars and artists to conceptualize the political economy of settler colonialism and apply this theory more precisely to the practice of social work. Michael’s ongoing advocacy work for the housing and food insecure, as well as his opportunity to focus on his own studies exclusively for a year, have given rise to his interest in serving as a student representative for the MCSW board. Michael is particularly privileged to have the opportunity to see social work education from the twin vantage points of a student and an instructor. He hopes to make the most of this opportunity by contributing whatever he can of his perspective to the good governance of the profession of social work in Manitoba.

Growing up in foster care and experiencing homelessness at the age of 16, Katherine has seen first hand the profound challenges faced by those navigating the social service system. These early struggles shaped her resolve and fueled her passion for making a meaningful impact in social work. Katherine’s journey from adversity to advocacy has provided her with a unique perspective that she is eager to bring to the MCSW Board.

Katherine’s journey of resilience took a significant turn when she moved 30 hours away with her young daughter as a single parent, with no family support. This bold step was driven by her desire to create a better life and more opportunities for her daughter-opportunities that Katherine was denied. Despite the immense challenges, including balancing work, education, and raising her daughter, she succeeded in building a stable and supportive environment for both.

Professionally, Katherine has dedicated herself to community service and mental health support. She has managed critical programs for vulnerable populations at CMHA and the Salvation Army and served as Education and Training Supervisor in Thompson, MB. Katherine’s role involved addressing crises directly, working closely wtth RCMP, community organisations, and schools to provide essential support.

Currently, as a Mental Health Therapist with Indigenous Services Canada in St. Theresa Point and through her work with Spirit Horse Therapy, Katherine continues to focus on innovative, culturally sensttive mental health care. Her academic achievements, including an honours degree in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian Universtty and the Soroptimist Wellness Award, highlight her dedication to the field.

Katherine’s experiences with the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy Board and the Hope North Board have further developed her skills in strategic planning and community collaboration. These roles, combined with her personal journey and professional background, provide Katherine with a unique perspective that she believes would be valuable to the MCSW Board.

Katherine is eager to bring her insights, dedication, and practical knowledge to the Board, contributing to its mission and supporting the advancement of social work practices in Manitoba.

Alexander Sawatsky has over 25 years’ experience in the field of mental health. He holds an MSW from Andrews University, and a PhD from the University of Manitoba, School of Social Work. While in practice, he has worked in crisis stabilization, counseling, case management and administration. His passion in teaching includes Social Policy, Mental Health, Addictions, Ethics, Environmental Justice, anti-capitalist and decolonial approaches to social work practice. He continues to be motivated to work with those who have been identified with severe and persistent mental illness towards a mental health system that is more accepting of difference and accessible to all. He was Board President of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society and Peer Connections from 2017 to 2023.

Alexander served on the MIRSW/MASW Board of Directors from 2007-2013 and was Vice President from 2008-2009. Alexander served on the MCSW Board of Directors as Member-at-Large from 2015-2021. He was also Co-Chair of the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW) Appeals Panel from 2016-2021. Presently, he is the Chair of the BSW program at Canadian Mennonite University.

Tricia has a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Advanced Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Manitoba. She obtained her Advanced Registered Technologist Certificate from CSMLS in 1989 and her Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences in 1981. Tricia has also obtained a Health Services Leadership and Management Diploma from Red River College. She has over 40 years experience as a practicing Medical Laboratory Technologist which includes 11 years in a management position and seven years of professional regulatory experience. In addition, Tricia has completed formal training in Parliamentary procedures, which has provided her with a strong foundation in board governance and procedures.

Tricia has been an avid volunteer for the Medical Laboratory Science profession which has provided her with over 25 years of Board experience. This includes several years serving in chair positions, and holding positions on nominations, finance, legislation, and grants and scholarships committees for a variety of professional organizations.

Tricia continues to participate in accreditation of laboratories as a surveyor for Manitoba Quality Assurance Program (MANQAP) and The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta laboratory accreditation program. She is a surveyor for Equal Canada accreditation of laboratory educational programs. Recently, Tricia has participated in development of two standards through Health Standards Organization of Canada; Health Education Accreditation and Clinical Governance. Tricia is a highly motivated professional with excellent interpersonal, problem solving and organizational skills. Tricia strives to promote teamwork and work collaboratively, and in partnership, within her roles and assignments. Tricia intends to continue this practice for the MCSW Board of Directors.

From a young age Ashley knew that she wanted her career path to be one where she could effectively make change and watch human beings grow to be their best selves. This led her to the completion of her Bachelor of Social Work degree with Dean’s Honours from the University of Manitoba in 2009. Ashley’s practicum placements further cemented her interest in working in the addictions field and she began her social work journey employed at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). Shortly after graduation Ashley moved back to her home town of Ste. Rose du Lac and enjoyed providing rural opportunities for other social work students to complete their practicums closer to home; in 2018 Ashley was awarded the University of Manitoba Field Instruction Award. Ashley enjoys working with students and seeing them mold their experiences to explore their future career options. She didn’t set out to be in manager roles, but found herself as both a Supervisor and Acting Director with AFM, and a Care Team Manager role at our local personal care home. Ashley joined the Manitoba College of Social Workers in 2020 when she took on her current role with the health region, as a Manager of Health Services in Primary Care with Prairie Mountain Health. Ashley is currently a member of MCSW’s the Continuing Competency Committee and joined to help her learn more about the College.

Ashley is Metis, and a mother of two incredible daughters who never cease to amaze her in all their accomplishments and insights. She is working to instill in them pride and understanding of their culture. Their extra-curricular activities keep her busy and have led to a wealth of committee work that has evolved based on their interests. Currently Ashley is the chair for her communities’ signature festival - Ste. Rose Hoof ‘n’ Holler Days; Vice-President of Ste. Rose Skating Club; and Home Competition Chair for Neepawa Nova’s Gymnastics Club. You can usually find Ashley fundraising or volunteering for something.

Ashley looks at board membership as an opportunity to continue her personal growth and continue to advocate for the social work profession in a variety of ways. Our rural geography can make connecting a challenge and she wants to help bring awareness to opportunities for those practicing in this area. Ashley also has an interest in connecting others with a social work background in leadership positions to look at meaningful work connections and networks.

Personally, Elizabeth Spence is a single mother of three and a proud member of the Red River Metis Nation.

Professionally, Elizabeth is a research lead and project manager in Admissions at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Manitoba. Here, her work focuses primarily on aligning the recruitment and admissions processes of the Admissions office with the strategic vision of the University, the Province and the perspectives of surrounding community to ensure our provincial physician workforce is representative of our provincial healthcare needs. Elizabeth is also a graduate student, currently completing the thesis portion of a master’s degree in Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Elizabeth’s research focuses on how to institute strengthbased and culturally safe medical education programming for Indigenous learners in western institutions. Elizabeth is also a sessional instructor for the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, teaching an introduction to health and health professions course for Indigenous learners in the University’s Health Careers Access Program (HCAP). Next term Elizabeth will be teaching a course on Metis identity for the Urban and Inner Studies Program at the University of Winnipeg.

Elizabeth considers herself a helper and views her professional, academic, and instructional work as both a privilege and a responsibility to her community. Recognizing just how much one’s wellbeing and personal health is vested in their access to social supports across the spectrum, Elizabeth has great respect for the profession and the professionals of social work within the province of Manitoba and is honoured to be a part of this board of directors.