Catherine Opondo
Lethbridge,AB
Summary
Dynamic Outreach & Education Facilitator at Lethbridge Family Services, skilled in trauma-informed communication and community resource navigation. Successfully led a culturally aware suicide-prevention program, enhancing mental health literacy among newcomer youth. Recognized for building strong connections and fostering supportive environments, empowering families to seek help and reduce stigma.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outreach & Education Facilitator
Lethbridge Family Services
Lethbridge, Canada
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Led a culturally aware suicide-prevention program for newcomer youth/caregivers; delivered workshops that improved mental-health literacy and help-seeking.
- Coordinated with community leaders, clinicians, and faith groups to connect families to services and reduce stigma.
- Built practical skills in supportive communication, safety planning, and referral pathways within diverse communities.
Life Coach & Trauma-Healing Facilitator
Survivor to Thriver
Lethbridge, Canada
09.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided trauma-informed coaching focused on self-regulation, boundaries, and daily routines; supported clients to rebuild confidence and independence.
- Facilitated small-group sessions on self-care and goal-setting; coordinated referrals for specialized services when needed.
Residential Support Worker
YWCA
Lethbridge, Canada
02.2020 - 02.2021
- Delivered front-line support in a residential setting: companionship, mealtime assistance, hygiene prompts, housekeeping support, and community reintegration.
- Used CPI de-escalation to respond to crisis; maintained calm, respectful environments and documented observations for the team.
- Organized therapeutic social activities to build connection and well-being.
Head Cashier
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Lethbridge, Canada
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Supervised front-end operations and trained new cashiers; recognized for service quality and reliability.
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma - International Management
University of Liverpool
United Kingdom01.2014
Skills
- Person-centred support
- Trauma-informed communication
- Boundaries & confidentiality
- ADL assistance
- Mobility support
- De-escalation
- Infection-prevention habits
- Observation & reporting
- Basic documentation
- Teamwork across disciplines
- Cultural & spiritual sensitivity
- Family liaison
- Community resource navigation
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Canva
Affiliations
- American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
- Global League of Creative Intelligence Certified Coaches
Certification
- CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, 01/01/23
- Standard First Aid (CSA Intermediate) & CPR Level C/AED, 01/01/22
- Immigrant & Refugee Mental Health, U of T, 01/01/23
- Brain Story, AFWI, in progress
- Mind-Body Medicine (Adv.), 01/01/22
- NLP & Time-Line Therapy – Certified Practitioner, 01/01/21
- Positive Intelligence, 01/01/21
Timeline
Outreach & Education Facilitator
Lethbridge Family Services
09.2022 - 09.2024
Life Coach & Trauma-Healing Facilitator
Survivor to Thriver
09.2020 - 09.2022
Residential Support Worker
YWCA
02.2020 - 02.2021
Head Cashier
Lowe’s Home Improvement
08.2019 - 02.2020
Post-Graduate Diploma - International Management
University of Liverpool