Cecilly Hildebrand
Winnipeg,Canada
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate nonprofit executive with over a decade of experience in program management, community engagement, and advocacy, specializing in trauma-informed support for individuals affected by violence. Proven track record of building strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, fostering reconciliation, and developing culturally responsive programs. Skilled in crisis intervention, program development, and public speaking, with a commitment to promoting mental health and well-being. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create impactful initiatives that address the needs of marginalized populations. Passionate about empowering individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and support.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Candace House
09.2014 - Current
- Leadership & Program Management: Oversee all operations of a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed support to victims of violent crime and their families, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and advocate for victims' rights.
- Financial Stewardship: Develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives, securing over $750,000 in grants and donations annually to support operational and capital projects.
- Team Development: Recruit, train, and supervise a diverse team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and culturally competent workplace.
- Program Development: Design and implement innovative programs and services, including healing workshops and support groups, aimed at enhancing well-being for individuals and families.
- Advocacy & Public Speaking: Represent Candace House at community events and conferences, advocating for systemic changes to support families affected by homicide and violent crime.
- Policy Development: Collaborate with local organizations and policymakers to develop and promote best practices in trauma-informed care and victim support.
Owner
Hil Training and Development
04.2014 - Current
- Course Facilitation: Deliver Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST) courses, equipping participants with essential skills to support individuals in crisis.
- Engagement & Learning: Create and facilitate workshops and training sessions on mental health, trauma-informed care, and grief support, fostering a safe and interactive learning environment.
- Resource Development: Design comprehensive training materials and resources that promote understanding and awareness of mental health issues and provide practical strategies for intervention.
Co-Owner and Photographer
Matthew Ryan Photography
05.2009 - 09.2019
- Photography Services: Provided high-quality photography services for weddings, events, and portrait sessions, ensuring client satisfaction through personalized service and attention to detail.
- Business Operations: Co-owned and operated a successful photography business, overseeing marketing efforts, social media engagement, and financial management to drive growth and maintain profitability.
- Client Relationship Management: Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals through exceptional service and communication.
Youth Care Practitioner
Crisis Stabilization Unit, Marymound
12.2013 - 07.2018
- Client Support: Provided therapeutic support to youth in crisis, fostering a safe and trusting environment to facilitate emotional healing and development.
- Crisis Intervention: Intervened effectively during psychosocial emergencies, employing de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches to manage challenging situations.
- Advocacy & Community Engagement: Advocated for youth needs within the organization and the broader community, building partnerships with families and external agencies to support holistic care.
Research Assistant
University of North Dakota College of Nursing
02.2012 - 08.2015
- Research Support: Assisted in the development of a tool to measure member satisfaction and program outcomes for a psychosocial club serving individuals with chronic and persistent mental illness.
- Data Collection & Analysis: Gathered qualitative and quantitative data through surveys and interviews, ensuring accuracy and reliability for input into SPSS for statistical analysis.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with faculty and research teams to design study protocols, recruit participants, and facilitate research activities.
Access Worker (Seasonal)
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
06.2011 - 08.2015
- Event Facilitation: Organized and facilitated recreational and educational events for adults with various disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all activities.
- Supportive Engagement: Provided individual support to participants, fostering a welcoming environment that encouraged social interaction and personal development.
- Advocacy: Actively advocated for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, collaborating with community organizations to promote awareness and inclusion.
Public and Program Engagement Coordinator
Canadian School of Peacebuilding
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Strategic Partnerships: Established and nurtured strategic partnerships with local, national, and international NGOs to enhance program reach and collaborative efforts in peacebuilding.
- Event Planning & Coordination: Planned, organized, and executed events, workshops, and conferences, bringing together diverse participants and speakers to foster dialogue and learning.
- Community Outreach: Engaged with community stakeholders to raise awareness about peacebuilding initiatives and encourage participation in programs and events.
Program Assistant
Victims’ Voice, Mennonite Central Committee
06.2010 - 09.2012
- Conference Organization: Coordinated and organized a conference for families of murder victims, focusing on themes of forgiveness and healing, providing a supportive space for sharing experiences and insights.
- Research & Content Development: Conducted research and contributed to the development of program materials, including written content for media sites and publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
- Administrative Duties: Provided general administrative support, including scheduling meetings, managing records, and maintaining program documentation to ensure efficient operations.
Crisis Counsellor and Intake Coordinator
Agape House Women’s Shelter
12.2008 - 05.2009
- Crisis Intervention: Provided immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to clients, assisting individuals and families in navigating challenging situations related to domestic violence and trauma.
- Intake Coordination: Managed the client intake process, conducting assessments to determine needs and connect clients with appropriate resources and support services.
- Resource Referral: Facilitated access to community resources, including legal aid, healthcare, and housing support, ensuring clients received comprehensive assistance.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba10-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Manitoba01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Peer Counselling
Steinbach Bible College
Steinbach, Manitoba01.2009
Skills
- Cultural Competency & Community Engagement: Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories, with proven ability to build partnerships and foster collaboration
- Trauma-Informed Care & Advocacy: Expertise in delivering trauma-informed support and advocating for the needs of marginalized communities, particularly in the context of reconciliation
- Program Development & Evaluation: Skilled in designing, implementing, and assessing culturally relevant programs that promote mental health and well-being
- Conflict Resolution & Communication: Effective communicator with strong skills in conflict resolution, facilitating dialogue, and engaging diverse audiences
- Training & Public Speaking: Experienced in delivering training sessions and workshops on mental health, trauma, and reconciliation, effectively engaging participants
Timeline
Executive Director
Candace House
09.2014 - Current
Owner
Hil Training and Development
04.2014 - Current
Youth Care Practitioner
Crisis Stabilization Unit, Marymound
12.2013 - 07.2018
Public and Program Engagement Coordinator
Canadian School of Peacebuilding
09.2012 - 08.2014
Research Assistant
University of North Dakota College of Nursing
02.2012 - 08.2015
Access Worker (Seasonal)
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
06.2011 - 08.2015
Program Assistant
Victims’ Voice, Mennonite Central Committee
06.2010 - 09.2012
Co-Owner and Photographer
Matthew Ryan Photography
05.2009 - 09.2019
Crisis Counsellor and Intake Coordinator
Agape House Women’s Shelter
12.2008 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Canadian Mennonite University
Bachelor of Arts - Peer Counselling
Steinbach Bible College
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Manitoba
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