Karina Brant MSW
Keswick,ON
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Social Worker with proven ability to thrive in diverse environments and collaborate effectively with service users, other professionals and community agencies. Brings hands-on experience supporting children, youth and adults across home, school, and community settings. Guided by strengths based, trauma-informed, relational, and culturally safe practices, I work alongside individuals and families to honour their priorities and values while addressing functional skills that support participation and independence in daily life. Skilled in conducting intakes, assessing developmental needs, developing individualized and goal-oriented plans, and coaching caregivers to implement healthy strategies within everyday routines. Experienced in facilitating developmental and therapeutic activities, coordinating services with multidisciplinary teams, and building strong, trusting relationships needed to promote engagement, inclusion, and overall well-being.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
TMU The Next Chapter
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Implements the recommendations from the Standing Strong Task Force (SSTF), the Next Chapter, Toronto Metropolitan University's Action Plan, including Indigenous Placemaking on campus.
- Filming and editing educational videos on Land Acknowledgements for TMU faculty, staff and students.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining quality and incorporating feedback.
- Collaborated with university departments to develop innovative research methodologies and strategies.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Participated actively in regular meetings to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing initiatives.
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services (GMISS) & Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducts research for the IEC website to disseminate Indigenous knowledges and history.
- Serving on the special events committees, including Treaty Week and MMIWG2S events.
- Authored "Acknowledging the Land" on the Indigenous TMU website.
- Creation of an interactive "Educational Timeline" for the IEC and relative webpage.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Assisted in organizing workshops and events promoting cultural awareness within the community.
- Collaborated with team members to create resources addressing Indigenous education needs and challenges.
- Facilitated discussions with stakeholders to gather insights on student experiences and educational barriers.
INSTRUCTOR THERAPIST
Kids Solutions Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Conducted initial intake assessments to identify needs and appropriate supports.
- Supported children and youth with ASD and developmental disabilities.
- Performed case management while maintaining up to date progress reports, treatment plans, and session notes for documentation and data collection for analysis.
- Developed and facilitated therapeutic and educational programs tailored to service users needs and goals.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by incorporating cultural and religious/spiritual backgrounds while creating lesson plans.
- Improved student progress by developing individualized therapy and counseling plans for individuals to incorporate short-term and long-term goals tailored to their specific needs.
- Adapted materials and resources based on individual learning styles to enhance comprehension and engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to support and success.
- Assisted in conducting group counselling sessions, ensuring that all clients received appropriate attention and support.
- Strengthened parent involvement in therapeutic and educational processes by providing regular updates on student progress and detailed at-home strategies for improvement.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through attending workshops, conferences, and trainings focused on therapeutic techniques and best practices in child and youth work.
SUPPORT ASSOCIATE
Bartimaeus Inc.
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Provided support to a diverse population, including individuals with ABI, ASD, developmental disability/delay,anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and mental health challenges within educational, hospital, residential and community settings.
- Facilitated programs that reinforce productive and healthy behaviours.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining focus on delivering optimal outcomes for service users.
- Prepared materials for individual and group therapy sessions, anticipating unique patient needs accordingly.
- Enhanced group therapy sessions by facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive environment.
- Assisted lead counselors in developing personalized treatment plans for clients, resulting in positive outcomes.
- Contributed to continued professional development, attending workshops and trainings to enhance counseling skills.
- Facilitated workshops to educate families on behavioral and educational strategies and support techniques.
- Adapted therapy materials and resources based on individual learning styles to enhance comprehension and engagement.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
SUPPORT WORKER
Wm+a
09.2008 - 12.2010
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Works with children, youth and adults with a complexity of needs and circumstances and who may be diagnosed with: ASD/autism, developmental exceptionalities, ADD, FASD, ABI, emotional and mental health issues including significant behavioural challenges.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care across service providers.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
- Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
- Supported clients in accessing community resources, enhancing their integration and participation in community activities.
AUTISM SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Kerry's Place
05.2007 - 08.2008
- Supported individuals with personal care, daily living and routines in a residential setting.
- Assessment and implementation of program plans and guidelines set by the caseworker.
- Administered medication and documentation.
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
- Supported residents in coping with emotions and fears through one-on-one sessions.
- Managed internal conflicts among service users by employing effective communication techniques and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
- Advocated on behalf of clients during meetings with social workers, family members, and other stakeholders to secure necessary resources and support services.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto10-2025
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto06-2024
Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences Certificate -
Chang School of Continuing Education
Toronto04-2023
Social Service Worker Diploma -
Seneca College AA&T
King City06-2007
Skills
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Trauma informed practice
- Intake assessment
- Educational assistance
- Conflict resolution
- Indigenous education and representation
- Case management
- Counselling
- In good standing with OCSWSSW
Timeline
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
TMU The Next Chapter
04.2024 - 04.2025
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services (GMISS) & Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
09.2023 - 04.2024
INSTRUCTOR THERAPIST
Kids Solutions Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2016
SUPPORT ASSOCIATE
Bartimaeus Inc.
01.2011 - 12.2013
SUPPORT WORKER
Wm+a
09.2008 - 12.2010
AUTISM SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Kerry's Place
05.2007 - 08.2008
Master of Social Work -
Toronto Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Toronto Metropolitan University
Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences Certificate -
Chang School of Continuing Education
Social Service Worker Diploma -
Seneca College AA&T
Awards
S.A.G.E Award Recipient 2025 - Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement
Elder Joanne Dallaire's Defining Your Success Award for Creative Excellence 2024
The Indigenous Student Achievement Scholarship 2024
Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association - Indigenous Student Award (Undergraduate) 2023
Faculty of Community Services Dean's List 2022-2024