Audrey Shepherd
Nemaiah,Canada
Summary
Results-oriented Community Wellness and Youth Services Leader with 6+ years of experience in delivering trauma-informed programs in rural First Nations communities. Developed and expanded initiatives engaging Indigenous youth, secured funding for equipment and events, and directed wellness and cultural programs enhancing family and partner involvement. Expertise in building partnerships and translating community needs into impactful services.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Wellness Facilitator
Xeni Gwet'in First Nations
Nemaiah, BC
03.2023 - Current
- Lead and coordinate recreation, fitness, and wellness programming for youth and community members, with a focus on participation, connection, and overall well-being.
- Developed and delivered community wellness and fitness initiatives, including participation in 2026 5k Foam Fest to promote active lifestyles.
- Expanded access to structured wellness and recreation opportunities for youth and adults from two classes per week to seven per week currently.
- Increased participation through consistent program delivery and community outreach.
- Organized youth recreation activities at local community center, enhancing engagement and community participation.
- Collaborated with community leadership to ensure compliance with family violence prevention initiatives, fostering a safer community environment.
- Support program planning, reporting, and continuous improvement.
- Contributed to a more connected and supportive environment for youth and family engagement.
Youth & Community Wellness Lead
Yunesit'in First Nations
Hanceville, BC
10.2020 - Current
- Led coordination of youth mental health, wellness, recreation, and prevention initiatives in collaboration with school staff, social development leadership, healthcare providers, and community partners.
- Established integrated wellness supports to enhance youth health and engagement.
- Support strategic priorities related to youth engagement and community wellness.
- Advanced strategic priorities for youth engagement and community wellness through targeted initiatives.
- Co-developed and helped lead the Cariboo-Chilcotin Youth Ball Hockey League, engaging nearly 50 Indigenous youth across multiple communities.
- Secured community sponsorships and external funding support for equipment, jerseys, tournaments, and youth participation.
- Organized major youth wellness and cultural initiatives, including nation events and community-based programs like the annual Youth Mental Wellness Event that increased youth and family participation and positive engagement.
- Coordinated in 2025 and co-coordinated in 2026 and facilitated the Yohetta Youth Cultural Leadership Gathering with Dasiqox and organized cost-sharing budgets between communities.
- Strengthened relationships among youth, families, schools, and service providers by fostering trust and consistent leadership.
- Managed staff on day to day operations including student workers on delivery of programs for youth
Education
Registered Acupuncturist -
Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine
Online 09.2025 - 07.2026
Practical Herbalist -
Wildrose College of Herbal Medicine
Online 08.2023 - 08.2026
First Year Massage Certification -
MH Vicars
Edmonton 09.2020 - 06.2021
Certified Personal Trainer -
International Sports Science Associations
Online 02.2018 - 02.2019
Skills
- Community Health Initiatives
- Program development
- Indigenous Community Engagement
- Health education
- Youth engagement
- Program Facilitation
- Training Delivery
- Strategic Program Leadership
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Creative problem solving
- Culturally safe practice
- Advocacy
Hobbies and Interests
- Horseback riding
- Meditating
- Travelling
- Cultural-based activities
- Being out on the land
- Animals
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Acupuncturist -
Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine
09.2025 - 07.2026
Practical Herbalist -
Wildrose College of Herbal Medicine
08.2023 - 08.2026
Community Wellness Facilitator
Xeni Gwet'in First Nations
03.2023 - Current
Youth & Community Wellness Lead
Yunesit'in First Nations
10.2020 - Current
First Year Massage Certification -
MH Vicars
09.2020 - 06.2021
Certified Personal Trainer -
International Sports Science Associations
02.2018 - 02.2019