Ogimaawabiitong (Kenora Chiefs Advisory) is proud to welcome Melody Bernard as our new Director of Mental Health and Addictions for our partner communities.
Bernard, a Registered Social Service Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a Registered Professional Expressive Arts Therapist through the Canadian Art Therapy Association, is working to attain their B.A. Specialization in Psychology Hon. through Laurentian University.
Bernard has nine years of experience in the Mental Health field in Treaty #3, starting as a Crisis Worker/Addiction Recovery Worker, before moving on to become a Mental Health and Addiction Counsellor and as a Program Administrator for a local healing lodge.
“Boozhoo – Makinnak Ikwe dizhinikaaz, Bizhew doodem, Wagmatcook ndoonji, Hello. My given name is Melody Bernard, my Anishinaabe name is Turtle Woman, Lynx Clan, and my home community is Wagmatcook First Nation of Mi’kmaq territory in Nova Scotia.
I have found my life’s passion in teaching emotional regulation utilizing our natural gifts and creative process because everything we do is art, we dance, sing, write stories/ poetry, even when we decide our aesthetic of the season is, or how to style our hair is art!
We are all creative beings and utilizing a therapeutic intervention that aligns with our innate and sacred nature is such a wonderful immersion of healing and integration of all our life’s experiences.
In my free time, I enjoy beading, painting, sewing, hiking, and spending time with my family.
I have spent the majority of my career working in Treaty Three and being of service to those in need will always be my life’s greatest work.”
The KCA Services for Adult MHA is operated under an adaptation of a Case Management Model and incorporates an Anishinaabe Worldview that offers guidance in a client-led process through challenges that may require a Holistic Approach to strengthening connections to self, family, and community.
In addition to this support, clinical observation and conclusions are supplemental in strengthening positive client outcomes with regard to the care continuum. The clinical support is provided by outreach, referral, and advocacy with local health care providers that include Doctors, Nurses, and Psychiatrists.
Welcome, Melody!
