Our Mission
The Sankofa Legacy program (SLP) offers specialized supports to address:
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Black, African, and Caribbean mental health concerns;
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lower Youth Justice recidivism through group programs, individual counselling, and community connection;
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Supportive Family engagement, family crisis support management, and family reunification;
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Provide education, consultation, resources and advocacy.
Our vision
Rooted in history, grounded by Faith and lead by vision; Building a healthy Black, African, and Caribbean diasporic community for generations to come!
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Sankofa- To go back and fetch it- Knowledge, love, health, joy, and self-esteem.
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Legacy- Leaving a footprint of more resources, tools and knowledge
Our team
GAIL Cetinja-wedderburn
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, MSW
My Name is Gail Cetinja-Wedderburn, and I am a social justice warrior, daughter, sister, wife, and mother to 4 beautiful boys. I am a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist and I have been in this role for over 14 years with extensive experience working within the Black, African and Caribbean communities in the GTA. Specifically, I have experience within youth Justice, Social housing and Community health, with passions for community development, Counselling, Programming development and Capacity building. I was born on the beautiful Island of Jamaica where I gained a foundation of love
for my culture and people; where I learned many life lessons from my national hero’s, family, community, and friends. When I came to Canada, I observed and experienced a bounty of opportunities, but often I could not gain them due to Anti-black racism. This experience of systemic pushback propelled me to be apart of the solution to a collective challenge by creating and delivering tangible tools to support my community. Today, I operate my own private practice, “Gail Wilson Counselling
Services Inc.” and I am a part of a collective group of like-minded Social Justice activists and healing workers within the Sankofa Legacy program. I am so happy to meet you all and look forward to working with my community and stakeholders who aim to break down the barriers to access.
Blessings!
Education:
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Masters of Social Work
MICAH DELL
Social Work & Psychotherapist, MSW.
My name is Micah Dell and I am a clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups to manage strong emotions and address issues that impact their day-to-day lives. Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work in different social services settings including: youth and adult justice, education, and child welfare. Currently, I am working as a Psychotherapist and as the Director of my own private practice Cope Counselling Toronto Inc.; where I focus on clients who have experienced issues with anti-Black racism, more specifically the trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues impacted by such. My areas of expertise include: anti-Black racism, child and youth mental health, anxiety, trauma-informed practice, anti-oppressive practice, narrative therapy, and mental health education and awareness.
Education:
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Master Degree is Social Worker from York University
SHARMARKE Dualeh
Registered Psychotherapist, BA & RP
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked in the Social Services/ Human services domain for more than 10 years now with a particular focus in the Mental Health sector.
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In my experience working in the mental health sector , therapy is often sought after someone has suffered long enough or until the symptoms become unmanageable.
It is my hope that as we continue to de-stigmatize mental health more people can feel comfortable utilizing this valuable service as a preventative measure and not as a last resort.
My approach as a therapist is simple: helping others increase awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I believe through careful introspection and analysis we can reach a level of compassion and acceptance for ourselves and others that may pave the path to emotional and mental wellbeing; or as I like to view it, “getting realigned and redefining the vary things that may have been holding you back.”
I’m a proponent of therapy that meets every individual’s unique needs. I owe a great deal of my growth as an individual and as a human being to this process and it has been my passion to continue mastering this craft.
My purpose lies in serving others in their own self-discovery. For me personally, it’s an amazing feeling to witness other’s transformations and getting to be a part of that– however small it may seem.
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I want to empower, educate and change lives by collaborating with you to define the very obstacles that may limit your ability to reach more successful outcomes.
Education:
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Masters in Counselling
CHIOMA EFEJEDIA
MSW (QUALIFYING) STUDENT, BA & RSSW
My name is Janelle Chioma. I have worked in mental health and leadership development for over five years. I have coached over 15 professionals in developing skills to grow in their careers, and I have supported clients develop coping strategies to improve their mental health. I am an RSSW, with lots of experience in professional coaching and mental health. With my experience and educational background, I have the skills and resources to help those who need extra support with coping skills, goal setting, and building resilience to overcome life challenges and access overall wellness and well-being.
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My goal is to support my clients to build a healthy mind, healthy body and healthy life, by working through presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, life stressors, and PTSD.
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I offer a caring, safe and healing space where you will feel empowered to share your stories, find your voice, and tackle your challenges from a place of knowledge, confidence and emotional strength.
I use an integrated blend of evidence-based therapeutic models and approaches that are designed to support your unique needs and challenges so that you can enjoy a strong and positive relationship - with yourself and those around you.
Education:
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BA in Family and Social Relations
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Registered Social Service Worker