Alyssa Sands is a proud member of Walpole Island First Nation, who holds an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care, from Lambton College (2019). Alyssa began her Child & Youth Care journey with the PACE Team, having completed both her first and third year placements with the PACE Program at Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, and Wallaceburg District SS. Understanding that the therapeutic relationship thrives on mutual respect, honesty, and trust, Alyssa is an empathetic and non-judgmental Child and Youth Care Practitioner; utilizing lived-experience to support and join with her clients. She offers a unique approach, implementing both Western, and Indigenous approaches to mental wellness.

A grand-daughter, daughter, and niece of Indian Residential School survivors, Alyssa is determined to be a force against the cycle of intergenerational trauma. In 2020, Alyssa created a Land Based Mental Well-being Program, based in the culture and language of the Anishinaabe of Bkejwanong Territory. Alyssa counts herself fortunate to sit on several committees in and around her community. She is Mental Health Support for Ji-Bi-Skaabiiwad - Walpole Island Indian Residential School Survivors, CAMH Community Advisory Circle (WIFN research), she was co-author on Lambton College’s first large-scale Human Trafficking Research project, a member of the Sarnia-Lambton Coalition Against Human Trafficking, as well as the Program Advisory Committee for Child and Youth Care at Lambton College.

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Certifications:

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VTRA - Level 1 Critical Incident Stress Management

ASIST, Mental Health First Aid,

SafeTALK

Helping Trafficked Persons

Trauma & Resilience Specialist