MICHELLE MURRAY
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Equity-driven and compassionate Social Service Worker with 25+ years of experience mentoring and supporting youth. Skilled in creating strength-based, culturally responsive programs that foster leadership, resilience, confidence, and meaningful engagement for youth, families and community.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Counselor
Centre For Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
11.2019 - Current
- Provide culturally responsive, strength-based counselling grounded in the social determinants of health, using creative and holistic strategies to engage youth
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and coordinate care plans within interdisciplinary teams, integrating individualized approaches that consider the whole youth and family system
- Develop and facilitate family support groups and youth-focused programming that promote skill-building, resilience, and meaningful engagement
- Support families in crisis through advocacy, system navigation, and psychoeducation, incorporating holistic strategies to strengthen coping, relationships, and overall wellbeing
- Led and participated in community outreach and panels promoting culturally responsive, anti-racist, and anti-oppression practices
- AMANI: Mental Health & Substance Use Services for Black Youth
Professor Part-time Faculty, Child & Youth Counselling Program
George Brown College
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Participated in faculty meetings to discuss improvements in educational approaches.
- Developed and delivered curriculum and lesson plans on mental health and addiction
- Facilitated interactive, creative learning activities to engage students and promote active participation
- Assessed student performance, administered and graded tests and assignments, and adjusted teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs
- Provided guidance and mentorship to support students’ academic and career development
Facilitator
Recovery and Adolescents Choosing Health (REACH) Day Treatment Program
04.2004 - 11.2019
- Facilitate psychoeducational workshops on concurrent disorders to youth and families, using creative, holistic approaches to develop understanding and foster resilience
- Mentor and model acceptance while integrating mental health and addiction insights to support youth growth and self-awareness
- Maintain strict confidentiality and accurate, clear documentation of client cases and assessments in accordance with hospital policies
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to collaborate on case reviews, triage, admissions, and discharges, ensuring coordinated support for youth and families
- Build and sustain partnerships with community agencies to strengthen collaborative programming and network supports
- Represent programs at external workshops, inter-agency initiatives, staff training, and community-based activities, promoting best practices and youth-centered approaches
Residential Supervisor
Youthdale Treatment Centres
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Conducted weekly supervision of child care staff to improve operational effectiveness.
- Developed and maintained staff master schedule to ensure optimal coverage at residence.
- Recruited and trained new child care staff on policies and specific program guidelines.
- Managed coordination of individual treatment plans, covering admissions and family/community visits.
- Collaborated with external agencies, including child protection workers, schools, and lawyers.
- Oversaw completion of progress reports and care plans within designated time frames.
- Ensured adherence to ministry standards for cleanliness, routines, food preparation, and clothing
Residential Child & Youth Care Worker
Youthdale Treatment Centres
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Maintained structure and daily routines to ensure a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment for youth
- Dispensed and documented medication while monitoring physical and emotional wellbeing
- Collaborated with team members, providing clear verbal and written communication on client progress and needs
- Planned and facilitated creative activities to develop life skills, interpersonal skills, and resilience
Education
Social Service Worker -
Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology
Toronto, ON01.1995
Skills
- EVIDENCE-BASED & TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICE
- HARM REDUCTION
- MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
- CBT
- BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION
- STRENGTH-BASED YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
- ANTI-RACISM & ANTI-OPPRESSION FRAMEWORKS
- CRISIS INTERVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT
- PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
- WORKSHOP & GROUP FACILITATION
- ORGANIZATIONAL, DOCUMENTATION & TIME MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
- SYSTEMS NAVIGATION & COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
- MENTORSHIP & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Timeline
Counselor
Centre For Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
11.2019 - Current
Professor Part-time Faculty, Child & Youth Counselling Program
George Brown College
01.2015 - 01.2021
Facilitator
Recovery and Adolescents Choosing Health (REACH) Day Treatment Program
04.2004 - 11.2019
Residential Supervisor
Youthdale Treatment Centres
01.1999 - 01.2007
Residential Child & Youth Care Worker
Youthdale Treatment Centres
01.1999 - 01.2007
Social Service Worker -
Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology