Samantha Lauersen
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Compassionate professional experienced in supporting Indigenous youth and families during crises. Proven ability to establish trusting relationships and provide individualized, trauma-informed support. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, with a focus on addressing intergenerational trauma. Committed to culturally safe, strength-based practices that promote emotional regulation and holistic well-being through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Post-Majority Care Worker
Ojibway Nation of Saugeen
06.2025 - Current
- Supported young adults (ages 18–25) transitioning from child welfare to independent living through trauma-informed case support and life-skills coaching
- Responded to mental health, housing, and emotional crises using de-escalation, safety planning, and harm-reduction approaches
- Assisted youth in accessing housing, education, employment, healthcare, and income supports
- Built trusting relationships with youth impacted by trauma, system involvement, and intergenerational adversity
- Advocated within child welfare, mental health, justice, and community systems to ensure continuity of care
- Integrated culturally safe and Indigenous-informed practices supporting identity, cultural connection, and community belonging
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized transition and crisis plans
- Maintained accurate documentation and risk-aware reporting in compliance with policy and legislation
Foster Parent
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
Nipigon
11.2020 - 01.2024
- Provided a safe, stable, and nurturing home for Indigenous children involved in the child welfare system
- Responded to emotional and behavioral crises using trauma-informed intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning
- Supported children with complex trauma, attachment disruptions, and behavioral challenges
- Coordinated medical, developmental, and mental health care with child protection workers and service providers
- Applied child protection standards, supervision practices, and risk awareness to ensure safety and compliance
- Incorporated Indigenous traditions, values, and cultural practices into daily family life
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support case planning and permanency goals
Child and Youth Worker
Children’s Centre – Lansdowne Long-Term Residential Treatment
12.2011 - 10.2013
- Maintained a secure, therapeutic residential environment for high-risk youth
- Responded to acute mental health and behavioral crises using risk assessment, safety planning, and emotional regulation strategies
- Provided individualized one-to-one counseling, mentorship, and behavioral support
- Applied youth-justice-informed practices balancing accountability, safety, and rehabilitation
- Collaborated with clinical, mental health, and cultural teams to implement treatment plans
- Integrated Indigenous and culturally responsive approaches into programming and crisis response
- Completed accurate documentation in accordance with organizational and legal standards
Child and Youth Worker (Student Placements)
Children's Centre Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay, Ontario
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Provided individualized counseling and support addressing trauma and mental health needs
- Responded to behavioral and emotional crises using trauma-informed strategies
- Built respectful relationships with youth, families, and community members
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care.
- Supported Indigenous youth in residential treatment, day treatment, and outreach programs
- Maintained professional documentation and confidentiality standards
Education
Child and Youth Worker Diploma -
Confederation College
Thunder Bay, ON01.2012
Skills
De-escalation techniques
Trauma-informed care
Active listening
Mental health response
Suicide risk assessment
Crisis intervention
Culturally Sensitive
Training
- Safe talk
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training
- First aid and CPR
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Post-Majority Care Worker
Ojibway Nation of Saugeen
06.2025 - Current
Foster Parent
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
11.2020 - 01.2024
Child and Youth Worker
Children’s Centre – Lansdowne Long-Term Residential Treatment
12.2011 - 10.2013
Child and Youth Worker (Student Placements)
Children's Centre Thunder Bay
01.2009 - 01.2011
Child and Youth Worker Diploma -
Confederation College