Jennifer Bouchard
Thunder Bay
Summary
Highly motivated individual with a strong commitment to personal and professional growth in social work studies, specifically within Indigenous communities. Dedicated to promoting positive social change and advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities through the application of knowledge and continuous learning. Demonstrates a solid theoretical foundation and practical experience, highlighting proficiency in collaboration, adaptability, critical analysis, and effective communication. Prepared to make meaningful contributions in dynamic settings while expanding expertise in social work issues.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Foster Parent
Dilico Anishinabek Family Services
11.2003 - Current
- As a passionate advocate for the children entrusted to me, I take an interdisciplinary approach to ensure their needs are met, this often involves collaborating with a range of professionals to provide holistic support
- Experience navigating the educational system, mental health services, and the youth justice system to ensure that each child receives the comprehensive care and resources they require
- Participated in specialized training in PRIDE Pre-Service training, Trauma-Informed Care and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Maintain open communication with caseworkers and support teams to ensure that the needs of each child are being met
- Managed daily routines and schedules, fostering consistency and stability in the lives of foster children.
- Assisted older youth transitioning into adulthood by providing guidance on essential life skills and decision-making processes.
Practicum Student
Ontario Native Women's Association
09.2024 - Current
- Enhanced practicum experience by collaborating with multidisciplinary team members, incorporating their feedback to refine approaches and strategies
- Organized training workshops for community members, fostering capacity-building for self-directed development initiatives
- Conducted interviews with ONWA council members to gather insights on their perspectives regarding Indigenous women's leadership training.
Volunteer
Our Kids Count
12.2018 - Current
- Our Kids Count is a community development organization dedicated to providing a variety of programs that meet the needs of the community.
- As a member of a participant steering committee, I am engaged in gathering and relaying participant feedback to staff and management regarding desired program offerings
- As a board representative, I attend monthly Board of Director meetings
- As a peer leader, I support a weekly community kitchen.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
Leadership Training
Leadership Thunder Bay
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Graduate of a 10-month leadership program, culminating in a Community Action Project (CAP) and presentation.
- As part of our CAP group, we collaborated with community partner the City of Thunder Bay to pilot a Community Conversation Guide on Truth and Reconciliation and developed a comprehensive Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit to advance the goals of Truth and Reconciliation.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Justice Studies
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario04-2025
HBA - Psychology, Indigenous Learning
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario04-2019
Social Services Worker Diploma - Social Services Worker
Confederation College
Thunder Bay, Ontario05-1991
Skills
- Child Welfare Advocate
- Compassionate Insight
- Empathy Development
- CPR, first aid, AED
- Child Development Experience
- Behavioral Intervention
- Trauma-Informed Approach
- Safety Strategy Development
Accomplishments
- Presented a workshop at the She is Wise Conference, Niagara Falls, ON. Medicine Lines of Womanhood: Honouring Self and Living Well. February 2025.
- Developed and delivered an online workshop Healthy Boundaries to ONWA membership, November 2024.
- Organized and facilitated two focus group discussions for the Truth and Reconciliation Community Conversation Guide, November 2022 and January 2023.
Good Citizen Award 2023
- This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding volunteer contributions in Thunder Bay for a minimum of five years.
- For recognition of volunteerism for 19 years of service caring for children in the child welfare system and for 5 years of volunteerism with Our Kids Count, a non-profit organization.
Timeline
Practicum Student
Ontario Native Women's Association
09.2024 - Current
Leadership Training
Leadership Thunder Bay
09.2022 - 06.2023
Volunteer
Our Kids Count
12.2018 - Current
Foster Parent
Dilico Anishinabek Family Services
11.2003 - Current
Master of Arts - Social Justice Studies
Lakehead University
HBA - Psychology, Indigenous Learning
Lakehead University
Social Services Worker Diploma - Social Services Worker
Confederation College
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