Shauna Brown

Facilitator

My name is Shauna Brown. I have a diploma as a Child and Youth Care Worker and this has provided me with the opportunity to work in several group homes, detention centers, York Detention and Syl Apps in the treatment program, schools, family support worker and more recently the Superior Court of Justice in the Criminal Division. I have also volunteered with the Juvenile Justice Volunteer Program where I was a facilitator for delivering the Victim Impact Awareness Program (VIAP) to young offenders on probation. I was also responsible for monitoring a small caseload of youth on probation that reported to me as well as one on one mentor. All of these settings have allowed me to gain invaluable experience and insight.

On a personal level, I have lived in 2 different high priority neighbourhoods and have been directly exposed to the issues and challenges of living in such neighbourhoods. The most impactful issue for me has been the increasing epidemic of gun violence in our communities. I have unfortunately experienced this first hand as I lost my son to gun violence in the summer of 2017. I have also had direct personal experiences, challenges and successes with mental illness, specifically anxiety, depression, grief and PTSD.

Although I have been made a victim by unfortunate circumstances I refuse to lay down and be a victim. I choose to stand up and speak out and advocate against gun violence and about issues that impact on victims. I have already been fortunate enough to be given such opportunities to do so at various speaking engagements. I'm hoping that this is only the tip of the iceberg and look forward to and would welcome any other opportunities in the future.

Through my tragedy I have found not only my voice but I have found my mission and gift. I truly believe that with my educational background as a Child and Youth Worker, the experience I have gained in jobs where I have been employed combined with my personal experiences of being a victim of crime I would be doing myself and so many others that could benefit from me an injustice by walking away and not doing something.

I have hopes and dreams that I can be a voice of change and inspiration for others. To not only be a part of advocating for change on important issues in our communities but to also be a voice for those who have something to say and contribute but who may lack the strength or confidence to do so.

I am hopeful for the future and for whatever part I can play in being a voice and vessel to help, whether it be advocacy, support, creating programs and initiatives that can assist proactively, speaking engagements, whether that be at schools, to educators or community programs or in any other way I can be of assistance.