Hello! My name is Simone Cormier. I am based in Edson but support communities, families, and individuals throughout Yellowhead County, as well as Grande Cache. I am a full-time solo parent to one kiddo and three cats, and I feel lucky to raise them in the community in which I was raised. I know all the best playgrounds and places to find cool rocks, and in my free time I enjoy spending time outside with all four-legged friends, crafting, baking, or reading.

 I completed my Bachelor of Social Work in 2020 and, wanting to further my learning and practice, jumped directly into my Master’s program. As such, my full-time journey with the Mamowichihitowin program began quite recently. My role is to support and empower individuals in navigating available services, while ensuring community education and awareness by maintaining effective collaboration with all parties. I strongly believe in epistemic privilege: you are the expert of your own life. My values and approach align concretely with the Program Model, and I value all types of connection as ceremony. My position allows for some flexible "therapy modalities”;  I am always excited to demonstrate how relating over board games, baking, bowling, or beachcombing qualifies as ceremony (truly, it does!). As Ram Dass teaches us, “We're all just walking each other home,” and I strongly believe that holding and honouring these connections is key in our healing journeys. My journey thus far has led me, eagerly, to specialize in trauma-informed care. I have been both a service user and a service provider, and I hold your story with compassion, close to my own. My experience spans from unhoused youths and people who use drugs, to people with disabilities, older adults and children of all ages.  I’ve worked with people at all stages of the earthside lifespan and recognize and honour the immeasurable impacts that life experiences and trauma has on one’s medicine wheel. A trauma-informed approach helps you to separate you from the challenges that you face: the problem is not you, or inside of you. I hope to walk alongside you as we navigate how to best hold that experience. As a Social Worker, I appreciate the Indigenous hollow bone teaching: I am a conduit of healing, but I am not the healer. That medicine is already within you.  Otepeyemsowak: The People Who Own Themselves.

 All my relations.