Hello. I am Francine Wilson-Symbaluk. I have three grown children, 22, 23, 31, all born in Fort McMurray, Alberta. My husband and I moved our family to Hinton in 2004 and I have worked in the community as a therapist since then. Over that time, we have watched our children grow up, leave our family home, and welcomed two granddaughters, now 1 and 3 years old.

My heritage is Irish, Scottish, English and German Ukrainian. I am a second and third generation Canadian. My maternal grandmother immigrated from British Guinea and through her, I am the seventh generation of settlers of Barbados where I have begun a journey of reconciliation. One set of my great grandparents (paternal) immigrated from Ireland and settled in Quebec while another set (maternal) settled in Regina arriving from Odessa, Ukraine.

I was born in Ottawa, Ontario. When I was 4, my parents moved me and my two older brothers to a small hamlet in central Labrador. I often say I was a fortunate child to live surrounded by wilderness and able to explore that freely most days. It was there I received my first teachings of the Innu people and land of the great Indigenous god, Pichitawno. This was also where I was first exposed to the history of the Indigenous people of Canada. I was drawn to the story of the Beothuk people and struggled with their loss as a nation at a young age. Much of my heart remains in Labrador.

By 13, my family moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta where I finished high school and eventually left to attend the University of Saskatchewan. When I completed my degree in Psychology, I returned home and began my career in counselling working for several agencies for the next 13 years. This included travel and working with the Indigenous peoples, the Cree and Chipewyan, among the 5 communities across the Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and on projects with the Metis Association, a special time in my career.

During that time I was a single mother and then found my husband and had two more children. Once settled in Hinton, I went on to pursue my graduate studies in Counselling Psychology with Campus Alberta and become registered as a Psychologist. I worked for Addiction Services before moving onto West Yellowhead Counselling Services where I have been for 14 years. I have maintained a small private practice during that time as well. My specialties are Addiction and Trauma.

As a Hinton resident, I have enjoyed volunteering and supporting the community. I spent a number of years with the Victims Services Unit and am now on the Board of Hinton Search and Rescue. I enjoy yoga, reading, learning, and creating. My favourite pastime is travel and experiencing other cultures. I hope to return to this in the near future.

Change has been on my horizon and just recently I gladly accepted an invitation to join the Mamowihichitowin program team. I have always been intrigued by the nations of people that first walked the lands I eventually lived on in time. While in Hinton, I have been humbled by those that have offered teachings of the history of the First Nations of this part of Alberta. I am still learning and very much look forward to this opportunity to contribute in work dear to my heart.

Credentials:

Registered Psychologist, Master of Counselling in Counselling Psychology, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Life Skills Coach, Employment Specialist, Addiction Counsellor II, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Certification, Advanced Supervision Certification.