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.

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.

Amanda Griffith-Conway has served with the Brandon Police Service since 2016 and will soon join its new Crisis Response Unit, partnering with psychiatric nurses to respond to mental health related calls. A registered social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, she has extensive experience in crisis services, community corrections, and teaching at the post-secondary level.

In 2020, she co-founded Project Resilience 911, a Manitoba-based, multi-agency peer support initiative for first responders, frontline workers, military personnel, and their families. Her leadership has earned her the Manitoba Mental Health Service Award, Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment's Champion of Mental Health recognition, and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award.

Proudly Métis, with the spirit name, Two Tobacco Woman, Amanda works to build cultural safety and advance reconciliation between Indigenous communities and public service. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family and is a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.

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.

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.

Lance Ludwig is a registered social worker with over 25 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities across both urban and rural settings in Manitoba. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work (1997) and a Master of Social Work (2021), both from the University of Manitoba, reflecting an ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in practice.

Throughout his career, Lance has worked across a diverse spectrum of service sectors, including mandated child welfare agencies, non-mandated programs, charitable non-profit organizations, and private practice. His roles have spanned front-line service delivery, supervisory positions, and senior management, giving him a broad and nuanced understanding of system-level service provision, policy implementation, and organizational leadership. He also remains connected to the University of Manitoba through his role on the Faculty of Social Work’s Endowment Fund Committee.

Currently, he serves as a Program Manager at Family Dynamics while also maintaining a small private practice where he provides both therapy and clinical supervision. His dual expertise in case management and clinically focused work enables him to support clients and colleagues with compassion, insight, and professional integrity. Lance brings to the Board a breadth of practical experience, strong leadership, and a deep grounding in ethical, reflective, and relationship-centred social work practice.

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.

Jenn Sherb-Jenkins is a passionate social worker and the co-founder of The Wellness Clinic, where she merges her extensive experience in mental health with a creative and holistic approach to wellness. With over 17 years of dedicated service as a mental health worker and social worker, Jenn has cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience, allowing her to innovate comprehensive strategies that empower individuals and families. Holding a Bachelor of Social Worker from the University of Regina, her commitment to continuous learning is evidenced by her Health Coach certificate from York University in Toronto, enhancing her ability to guide clients toward whole wellness. As a mother of two nearly grown boys, Jenn recognizes the importance of nurturing both mental and emotional health within the family unit. Though she has stepped back from a full-time counselling role, she still offers couples sessions, using her insights to foster stronger relationships. At the clinic, Jenn’s vision is clear: to optimize the delivery of holistic services that encompass the mind, body, and spirit. She believes in the power of individualized care and collaborates with clients to establish trusting relationships. Through a variety of innovative approaches, she helps clients set achievable goals, develop new skills, and discover healthier coping mechanisms. Jenn’s creative approach to mental health underscores the belief that wellness is a multi-faceted journey and is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone can explore their unique path to health and fulfillment.

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.