Nicole Yawney

My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents attended the Indian Residential and Day school experience. They endured unimaginable hardships. They taught me so much.

Because of their survival, I have strived to live a good life, getting an education to pull myself out of poverty as they wished. I am lucky enough to raise three boys, one dog alongside my trusty sidekick/spouse of sixteen years. I live with chronic illness and parent children with a rare neurological disease and adhd. Professional and personally, focusing on health and wellness has become a vital part of my day even with the chaos of life and all.

As a registered professional with the OCSWSSW and SASW, I have achieved a Master of Social Work and have nearly two decades of experience in the human service’s field.

In my professional career, I have been honoured with the Braiding Knowledges Award 2025, Children’s Health Canada Truth & Reconciliation Advancement Award 2024, Ontario Association of Social Workers Community Impact Award 2023, and Children’s Miracle Network National Canadian Impact Award 2022.

• EMDR Basic Practitioner
• Canadian Play Therapist – Intern
• Theraplay Level 1
• CBT Level 1
• Trauma Informed
• Solution Focused and Strength Based counselling
• Areas of Expertise: Medical Trauma, Suicide, Mood Disorders, Play Therapy, Family Therapy, Relationships, PTSD, 60’s Scoop, Residential Schools, Racism, Paediatric Mental Health, Disability, Chronic Illness, Traumatic Injuries

My work in the field of mental health and wellness is to braid our whole health including mind, body and spirit bridged with community centred care and western modalities to support a wrap around approach to healing. In our session, I hope to build a space to share vulnerabilities, joys, and successes.