Leah Kathryn Marshall
London,ON
Summary
Leah’s work within the field of social work has focused on providing intersectional feminist based, trauma-informed interventions to survivors of gender-based violence. Leah’s practice is strongly rooted in an anti-racist, queer, and a sex positive perspective. Leah is a skilled educator who leverages Universal Design, emotional intelligence, and exceptional interpersonal skills to create an inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to engage deeply with complex and sometimes polarizing topics. Leah does this work because she believes that survivors deserve more than just survival. Leah uses she|her pronouns.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Counsellor
Fanshawe College
08.2023 - Current
- Responsible for providing personal counselling to students with a focus on mental health and addictions issues, providing assessment of urgent counselling needs and developing psychoeducational group programming and materials.
- Co-facilitator of Gender Journey's, an educational group for students who are exploring their gender identity, transitioning, and/or are gender curious.
- Provides brief and ongoing support to students in crisis.
- Trained to provide single sessions to students, and responsible for assessing this need and delivering care appropriately.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Works effectively in fast-paced environment.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Works well in a team setting, providing consultation and guidance to colleagues when supporting survivors of gender-based violence .
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Social Worker
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program, St. Joseph's Health Care
12.2015 - Current
- Provides trauma and violence informed counselling to clients who have experienced gender-based violence, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
- Provides counselling to client’s family members and partners.
- Developed a psycho-educational group for clients family members and partners to understand trauma, its impact, and how to support their loved ones on their healing journey.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Uses highly developed skills in psychosocial assessment and treatment to identify client needs.
- Provides a diverse client population with evidenced based clinical interventions related to experiences of trauma.
- Extensive knowledge of community resources and relevant legislation.
- Responsible for creating educational and promotional materials for the Program.
- Developed the social work triage processes and directives for initial care for the Program. Triages all new social work clients, provides crisis intervention, and initial case management support.
- Provides education to health care professionals in surrounding counties to explain and promote the services offered within the Program.
- Collaborates with community partners, including: Fanshawe College, Western University, Victim Witness Assistance Program, London Police Service, London Abused Women’s Centre, and Anova.
- Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Assists clients in navigating the legal system, attends court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor
Fanshawe College
07.2015 - 08.2023
- Assisted and supported students who have experienced gender-based violence.
- Provided information on available options and resources, on campus and in the community.
- Provided referrals to medical care, counselling services, community resources, as well as information about legal and reporting options and academic accommodations.
- Provided support and advocacy to survivors during formal reports to Campus Security and Regional Police services.
- Trained with National Service Dogs to work with a facility dog when providing support to survivors during disclosures and reporting processes.
- Advocated on behalf of students when necessary, and assisted in developing safety and self-care plans.
- Utilized crisis intervention skills and social work modalities when responding to student disclosures.
- Adhered to all pertinent legislation, professional code of ethics, and college policies related to confidentiality and client records.
- Designed and taught post-secondary curriculum on gender-based violence prevention for various academic programs at Fanshawe College as a guest lecturer, delivering instruction on trauma-informed practice, healthy sexuality and relationships, rape culture, and sexual, gender, erotic, and relational diversity. Additionally, created educational modules used to educate the broader college community, supporting campus-wide awareness and prevention efforts.
- Skilled in designing and delivering lectures in hybrid and online formats, utilizing various tools and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Utilized Universal Design when developing curriculum, including multiple means of representation to reach all learners.
- Trained staff and student groups across the college on sexual and gender-based violence prevention and support, including but not limited to: Residence Advisors, Fanshawe Student Union Staff, Academic Advisors, Library Learning Commons Staff, Personal and Accessibility Counsellors.
- Designed and delivered educational training for Outback Shack staff on creating a safe and inclusive workplace, with a focus on preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment involving both employees and patrons.
- Strong technical/computer skills and familiarity with educational technologies.
- Excellent communicator and strong interpersonal skills.
- Tracked and summarized assessment data to identify patterns or trends and provides information that will assist in evaluating the impact of policies and programs.
- Represented Fanshawe College in media relations regarding gender-based violence.
- Liaised with campus and community partners to collaborate on program development and events on campus.
- Collaborated with campus and community partners in the pursuit to end sexual violence in our community.
- Has strongly developed working relationships with campus and community partners.
- Supervised Social Justice and Peace Studies students from King's University College during their internships, providing mentorship, guidance, and experiential learning opportunities. Was responsible for evaluating their work as an intern and providing guidance on their research projects in order for them to be successful in their program.
Housing and Harm Reduction Focused Street Outreach
London CAReS
02.2015 - 12.2019
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing housing loss.
- Utilized strong advocacy skills in order to assist in connecting participants with appropriate community resources.
- Supported individuals who are experiencing concurrent disorders.
- Utilized a well-developed trauma and violence informed approach when working with participants.
- Worked with individuals involved in sex work, and provided support around experiences of gender-based violence.
- Engaged with participants in the moment in order to connect them with services in the community such as shelter, medical care, mental health and addictions services and housing.
- Liaised with community partners such as the London Police Service to provide diversion from emergency services.
- Educated participants on harm reduction practices, providing both the necessary tools and resources to support safe behaviors and promote informed decision-making.
- Extensive knowledge of the shelter system in London, Ontario, including housing-focused resources and support services available to individuals and families in need.
Social Work Intern, Dual Diagnosis Program
Regional Mental Health, St. Joseph's Health Care
01.2014 - 04.2014
- Provided case management and therapeutic support to individuals with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health disorders.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed individualized care plans incorporating both mental health and developmental needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, behavioral therapists, and support staff to coordinate comprehensive, person-centered care.
- Applied trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to support clients in achieving stability and improved quality of life.
- Advocated for clients’ access to community resources, specialized services, and housing supports.
- Delivered psychoeducation to clients and families on dual diagnosis, mental health symptoms, coping strategies, and crisis prevention.
- Facilitated communication and care coordination between mental health services, developmental services, and external agencies.
- Supported transitions between levels of care (e.g., hospital to community) while ensuring continuity and appropriateness of services.
- Conducted regular risk assessments and implemented safety planning for clients with complex behavioral needs.
- Maintained accurate documentation in accordance with organizational policies and legal/ethical standards.
- Authored advocacy letters to support individuals in accessing community housing, highlighting their needs and barriers to ensure equitable consideration and placement.
Child Protection Forensic Investigator, Intern
Children's Aid Society of London Middlesex
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child welfare cases, with a specific focus on childhood sexual abuse, resulting in accurate evaluations and informed, trauma-informed decision-making.
- Evaluated complex situations involving multiple risk factors with accuracy while balancing urgency against potential harm.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies during joint investigations, ensuring the wellbeing of all involved parties.
- Reduced risk factors for children and families by implementing targeted interventions and monitoring progress closely.
- Improved child safety outcomes by conducting thorough investigations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Developed effective case plans tailored to individual family needs, fostering positive change and progress towards reunification.
- Demonstrated empathy towards families facing challenging circumstances while remaining objective during investigations.
- Maintained confidentiality throughout the investigative process, respecting the privacy rights of children and their families.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on legislation changes affecting child protection practices, ensuring compliance at all times.
- Enhanced family support networks through identifying resources and connecting families to relevant services.
- Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
- Documented all relevant information by filling out forms and completing case reports.
- Devised and implemented safety plans for children suspected as victims of abuse or neglect.
Personal Support Worker
Victorian Order Of Nurses
06.2009 - 06.2012
- Provided compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with diverse physical and intellectual disabilities.
- Delivered personalized care for clients, supporting activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, administering medication, and toileting, while maintaining a focus on promoting dignity, independence, and well-being.
- Organized and facilitated community activities aimed at helping clients build essential life skills, enhance social connections, and promote personal growth and independence.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, progress, and concerns, contributing to effective communication among healthcare team members.
- Monitored patient health status regularly, reporting any changes to the appropriate medical staff.
- Conducted light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and comfortable living space for patients.
- Utilized adaptive equipment appropriately when assisting clients with mobility-related tasks or exercises.
- Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to schedules.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive personal care.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Kings University College
London, ON01-2015
Bachelors of Social Work -
Kings University College
London, ON01-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Major in Sociology And Minor in Thanatology
Kings University College
London, ON01-2011
College Level Teaching Experience
As the Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor, a component of the role was to independency design and deliver curriculum as a guest lecturer, teaching on behalf of faculty, tailoring content to the specific needs and focus areas of various programs. For example: when teaching in Doula Studies the curriculum was designed to educate students on how survivors navigate healthcare systems and processes and what a Trauma Informed Birthing Plan is and why and how to utilize this with clients. Throughout my eight-year tenure as the Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor, I regularly delivered guest lectures each semester in multiple programs. Below is a list of the courses, programs and faculties I was a guest lecturer in:
- Bachelor Early Childhood Leadership Degree Program
- Practical Nursing Program- Woodstock
- Child and Youth Care Program
- Public Relations – Corporate Communications Graduate Certificate Program
- Doula Studies Certificate Program (School of Nursing)
- Broadcast Journalism/TV News Program
- Faculty of Creative Industries
- Faculty of Science, Trades and Technology
- ACAD Skills for Success
- Addictions and Mental Health Program
- Sociology- The Meaning of Sex (Language and Liberal Arts)
- Developmental Service Worker Program
- Pharmacy Technician & Community Pharmacy Assistant Programs
- Photography Program
- Massage Therapy Program
- Advanced Professional Communication (Language and Liberal Arts)
- Women and Violence (Language and Liberal Arts) Guest lecturing for this class was done twice a semester and students had an assignment associated with the lecture. They were to attend or volunteer at a prevention/education event created and hosted by the SVPA. I then evaluated each student and provided this information to the professor in order for her to assign them a pass or fail grade.
Presentations
Marshall, L. (September 29, 2022) Beyond the Binary, Creating Inclusive Gender-Based Violence Supports, Presented at the Gender Collation of London’s Intersectional Intentional Inclusion Conference. London ON.
Marshall, L. (June 2, 2022) Queering Gender-based Violence Supports, Presented at ENH Canada Fierce and Sober Pride Edition. Toronto, ON.
Marshall, L. (October, 2019). Keynote Speaker, Sexual Violence and it’s Link to Substance
Use Disorder, Presented at Westover Treatment Centre, Annual Day of Discovery. Thamesville, ON.
Marshall, L., Bloom, L. (July, 2018). Substance Use During the Life Cycle of Sexual Violence, Presented at the 59th Annual Institute on Addiction Studies. London, ON.
Herlihy, P., Bloom, L., & Marshall, L. (November, 2016). The EAP Connection: Military Sexual Trauma & Campus Sexual Assaults, Presented at Employee Assistance Professionals Association World Conference. Chicago, IL.
Marshall, L. (November, 2016). Our Role in Stopping Sexual Violence and Harassment, Presented at Western Region Support Staff Conference. London, ON.
Awards
- Recipient of Most Involved Fanshawe College Staff Member from the Fanshawe Student Union, 2024
- Recipient of the Ontario College Counsellors Leadership Award, 2018
- Recipient of the Mary Lou Karley Award in Social Work Excellence, 2015
Certificates
- Basic EMDR Therapy Training, Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic, 2022
- Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program, University of Guelph (AASECT), 2021
- Kahkiyaw ni wahkomâkanak: All My Relations, 2021
- CBT Level 1: Fundamentals of Cognative Behavioural Therapy, 2018
- Certified Campus Trainer of Upstander, Western University, 2018
- Advanced Psychological First Aid with Dr. Jacqui Linder, 2017
- Trauma Sensitive Yoga Workshop (20 hours), 2017
- Certified Campus Trainer of Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act (SARE Centre), 2017
- Certified Facilitator of Bringing in the Bystander- Ending Sexual Violence in our Communities, 2015
- ASIST Certified (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), 2013
- Social Work Representative UWO Interdisciplinary Health Education, 2013-2015
Committee Membership
- Centre for Education on Violence Against Women and Children, Advisory Committee
- Positive Space Committee, Fanshawe College
- Unfounded Case Review Committee, London Police Service
- Unfounded Case Review Committee, Woodstock Police Service
- Safe Cities London, Anova, and City of London
- Equity and Diversity Task Force, Fanshawe College
Timeline
Personal Counsellor
Fanshawe College
08.2023 - Current
Social Worker
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program, St. Joseph's Health Care
12.2015 - Current
Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor
Fanshawe College
07.2015 - 08.2023
Housing and Harm Reduction Focused Street Outreach
London CAReS
02.2015 - 12.2019
Social Work Intern, Dual Diagnosis Program
Regional Mental Health, St. Joseph's Health Care
01.2014 - 04.2014
Child Protection Forensic Investigator, Intern
Children's Aid Society of London Middlesex
01.2013 - 04.2013
Personal Support Worker
Victorian Order Of Nurses
06.2009 - 06.2012
Master of Social Work -
Kings University College
Bachelors of Social Work -
Kings University College
Bachelor of Arts - Major in Sociology And Minor in Thanatology
Kings University College
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