Ashley Smoke
Port Hope,ON
Summary
A motivated, dedicated person with lived experience, expansive professional experience and networks, great communication skills and dedication to help others who are trying to find wellness. I have a vast and unique skill set and would love to use it to make a difference. I founded a Non-Profit called the Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs and other community-led initiatives. I have worked with Health Canada and other government organizations to advocate for change and still have on-going relationships that I leverage if possible. I have amazing relationships, rapport, trust and respect with the people I have supported and community organizations doing good work which has been my biggest asset thus far. I would love to use the experience I have gained to help community achieve wellness.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Indigenous Knowledge Mobilizer
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS)
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Raised awareness of community issues by creating and distributing informative materials such as pamphlets, newsletters, and presentations.
- Strengthened relationships with local organizations through regular communication and collaboration.
- Navigated challenges and obstacles by employing creative problem-solving techniques to find innovative solutions for community development.
- Educated community on Cultural Competence for working with Indigenous People Who Use Drugs
- Provided trainings in the community (In-person and virtually)
- Incorporated culture into mainstream harm reduction practices.
- Facilitated arts-based and land-based activities for healing
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and conducting events and online learning opportunities.
- Empowered marginalized groups within the community through targeted support programs and resources.
- Promoted positive change within the community by identifying areas of need, creating action plans, and engaging residents in the process.
- Built partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate cooperative efforts in addressing pressing community needs.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for community mobilization efforts, leading to increased participation in programs.
- Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
Indigenous Experiential Cultural Consultant
Dr. Peters Centre
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Developed comprehensive cultural training programs for Service Providers to improve cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
- Developed Indigenous-Specific and Harm Reduction resources.
- Designed cultural introduction experiences for frontline workers, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of different cultures and enhance their perspective and skill for supporting Indigenous Peoples.
- Developed culturally appropriate curriculum materials that promoted inclusivity while adhering to learning objectives.
- Engaged with community partners including leadership.
- Provided expert advice on cultural nuances to improve work and team dynamics.
- Conducted workshops and developed resources aimed at educating individuals about unconscious bias and oppression.
- Developed Safety Planning Resources for Indigenous Women experiencing GBV and their support workers.
- Advised on best practices for working with Indigenous Communities and Indigenous People Who Use Drugs, contributing to an inclusive work environment.
- Enhanced cultural understanding by conducting in-depth research and analysis of various cultural elements including Indigenous Culture and Harm Reduction/Drug-User culture.
- Delivered engaging presentations on cultural topics, increasing awareness and promoting acceptance for Indigenous People Who Use Drugs.
- Facilitated sharing circles in community amongst Women and Gender Diverse People and Indigenous Women and Gender Diverse Peoples related to drug use, harm reduction. gender-based violence.
- Identified potential cultural barriers and recommended strategies to overcome them, enhancing connections.
- Provided consultation services focused on cultural competency and development, supporting individuals and organizations in achieving their goals related to various areas of the work.
- Provided mentorship to new Peer Workers to the sector.
- Developed Capacity Building and Professional Development Curriculum for Peer Workers.
- Analyzed Research Transcripts.
- Conducted surveys in community.
- Report & Grant Writing
Research Assistant
University Of Toronto, Krembil Research Institute
01.2024 - Current
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative transcripts and analysis.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Collaborated with other researchers to develop successful research strategies.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Reviewed documents and data to identify trends and patterns.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative research methodologies and strategies.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Presented research findings at conferences, contributing to advancements in the field.
- Developed comprehensive reports on research progress, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.
- Scheduled appointments with test subjects over phone and through email.
- Conducted interviews with People Who Use Drugs related to their experiences in hospital Emergency Rooms.
Outreach Worker; Policy Advisor; Student
Moyo Health And Community Services
09.2015 - 07.2021
- Provided Harm Reduction Services to people in the community
- Connected individuals to appropriate resources through assessments, referrals, and followups.
- Developed strong relationships with clients and local organizations to establish a network of support services for clients.
- Advocated on behalf of clients experiencing discrimination or other obstacles preventing them from accessing vital services within the community.
- Supported homeless individuals by connecting them with necessary supplies, resources, and assistance they need.
- Helped clients with applications.
- Established rapport with community members by actively participating in local events and demonstrating genuine care for their wellbeing.
- Served as a liaison between clients and service providers, ensuring clear communication of needs and expectations while maintaining client confidentiality.
- Planned outreach events
- Organized march for Murdered Client
- Organized community events to raise awareness about available resources and promote healthy lifestyles among residents.
- Hosted Sex Worker Drop-In weekly.
- Provided safety, harm reduction, mental health life skills, arts-based and creative educational opportunities in a variety of unique ways.
- Promoted self-sufficiency among clients by providing guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation techniques.
- Increased client engagement in programs through consistent communication and accountability.
- Improved outreach program effectiveness by continually evaluating and updating strategies based on community feedback and needs.
- Provided safe space for people.
- Working with Parents who Use Drugs and developing Safety Plans
- Spoke and did presentations and trainings in the community.
Program Coordintor- Indigenous Arts
Maggies Toronto
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Developed creative and diverse programming and established and promoted opportunities for inspiring Indigenous Arts while connected Indigenous Sex Workers back to culture, facilitating healing and a path to wellness.
- Utilized social media platforms effectively to engage with audiences online, driving interest in upcoming workshops/sessions.
- Facilitated Virtual Arts-Based Healing Circles for Sex Workers who were isolated during COVID Lockdowns
- Coordinated Indigenous Arts Workshops
- Promoted diversity in programming by actively seeking out underrepresented voices in the artistic community.
- Established and maintained innovative partnerships among community and regional organizations.
- Established relationships with local artists and organizations, promoting collaboration within the community.
- Established and developed relationships and rapport with Indigenous Sex Workers seeking support.
- Advocated and raised awareness regarding MMIWG2S.
- Collaborated with artists to develop materials that integrated the arts into daily life.
- Organized special events such as artist talks and workshops, enriching cultural experiences for participants.
- Negotiated and worked out contracts with vendors.
Capacity Building Lead
Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative Of Ontario
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed the support and educational needs of 17 Coordinators across Ontario working with Women living with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV.
- Managed budgets associated with capacity building initiatives, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives throughout the organization, fostering adaptation to new processes or systems introduced.
- Facilitated workshops on various topics, equipping participants with the skills needed for success in their roles.
- Monitored the impact of implemented strategies on overall organizational performance using various evaluation methodologies.
- Developed partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to necessary resources and support.
- Championed a learning-oriented environment, fostering an organizational culture that valued continuous improvement and growth.
- Improved collaboration and coordination by facilitating regular meetings for the network and creating unified processes amongst coordinators.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization, encouraging open communication and feedback among Network Members.
- Developed Toolkits, Pamphlets, Statements, etc.
- Developed Guides, Templates and Documents
- Conducted Research.
- Updated Website Data.
- Created Social Media Posts.
- Developed Social Media and other Print Media Campaigns.
- Provided Training in the community.
- Progress report activities such as developing tracking systems, gathering information, analysis of information, report writing and graphic design.
- Supporting Coordinators in their roles.
Indigenous Communities Coordinator
Moyo Health & Community Services
09.2018 - 03.2019
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Conducted Needs Assessment of Indigenous Health in the region.
- Conducted surveys and completed an analysis of findings, and wrote a report.
- Hosted Drumming Circle
Advisor and Consultant
National Safer Supply Community Of Practice
07.2021 - 03.2024
- Assisted in the development of training materials and events for Prescribers, Program Operators, Frontline Workers and community members who use drugs.
- Contributed insights during meetings related to lived experience and professional experience
- Coordinated work or project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong project, and team leadership to enhance success. (Indigenous work)
- Advised on operations and programming.
- Participated in networking events to expand professional connections and attract new clientele.
- Conducted evaluation surveys to develop recommendations.
- Supported Peer Workers.
Education
Diploma- Community & Public Safety - Community And Justice Service Worker
Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Brampton05.2016
General Arts And Sciences - Arts And Sciences
Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Oakville, ON08.2015
Diploma - Personal Support Worker
Private College
Brampton, ON11.2009
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Supporting wellness of People Who Use Drugs and Indigenous Communities
- Microsoft Office, Google, and others
- Research: Literature Reviews, Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting
- Multitasking and Organization
- Analytical Thinking
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Project Development, Coordination and Management
- Community Outreach
- Presentations
- Social Media
- Graphic Design
- Arts and Crafts
- Grant Writing
- Expansive Professional Networks- Locally, Provincially and Nationally
- Facilitating Discussion Groups
- Event Planning
- Quick to learn new systems and software
- Content development and analysis
- Training creation, facilitation, evaluation and implementation
- Policy analysis
- Cultural Competency
- Advocacy Campaigns
- Capacity Building
- Partnership Development
- Nonprofit Development and Management
- Staff education and training
- Conducting Needs Assessments
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Programming
- Organizational Development
- Cross-cultural communication
- Curriculum Design
- Partnership Building
- Workshop Facilitation
- Public Speaking Skills
- Analytical mindset
- Time Management
Accomplishments
- Published co-author in a variety of published reports, some of which in reputable, peer-reviewed medical and social science journals
- Graduated with Highest Honors
- Won Academic Achievement Award from Sheridan College
- Presented on a variety of topics/projects/research at many conferences.
- I have survived and navigated all the systems others are seeking wellness from and have the knowledge and skills to help others do the same.
Languages
English
Timeline
Research Assistant
University Of Toronto, Krembil Research Institute
01.2024 - Current
Indigenous Knowledge Mobilizer
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS)
05.2023 - 01.2024
Capacity Building Lead
Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative Of Ontario
05.2022 - 05.2023
Indigenous Experiential Cultural Consultant
Dr. Peters Centre
01.2022 - 03.2024
Advisor and Consultant
National Safer Supply Community Of Practice
07.2021 - 03.2024
Program Coordintor- Indigenous Arts
Maggies Toronto
09.2020 - 03.2021
Indigenous Communities Coordinator
Moyo Health & Community Services
09.2018 - 03.2019
Outreach Worker; Policy Advisor; Student
Moyo Health And Community Services
09.2015 - 07.2021
Diploma- Community & Public Safety - Community And Justice Service Worker
Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
General Arts And Sciences - Arts And Sciences
Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Diploma - Personal Support Worker
Private College
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