Monika has 5 years experience in the field of Social Work in a variety of facets and with a number of marginalized populations including: those who are homeless, work in the sex trade, individuals with addictions, physical, cognitive and mental health challenges and concurrent disorders as well as with the GLBTQ community. She is currently Case Manager with the STOP HIV team at Vancouver Coastal Health and, is responsible for providing clinical and consultative social work services to clients who are HIV positive, often homeless and unconnected to medical supports.

She is enrolled in the Master’s of Social Work Program at UBC in Vancouver and has taken several workshops with the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy and hopes to continue expanding her knowledge of therapeutic modalities. Through a critical analysis of her own values, social location, attitudes and behaviours, she also hopes to develop a greater awareness of the counselling role within the helping relationship dynamic and how personal, socio-economic position, cultural/historical background and gender affect it. She believes that, in order to effect change; redefine, reframe or reshape oppressive social constructs, theory and ideology must not only be put into practice but also continuously re-examined through praxis.

Monika strongly believes that the path to change, health and healing is dependent on a continuum of care made available through the collaborative and interdisciplinary work of professionals and agencies who create a supportive community of care. She is thrilled to be part of this progressive initiative among a diverse group of passionate spirits who share a vision of healthy, thriving populations.