The training session provided by Gillian's Place was poignant and thorough. It provided an excellent overview into the realities of gender-based violence and the need for services in this area. It was especially relevant given the population that John Howard Society services. Amanda is an excellent educator and made very heavy material engaging for our staff. I would not hesitate to recommend this training to anyone in social services.

-Gabriella Levinski, Justice Services Coordinator

Our 4th term Social Service Worker Students welcomed Amanda DiZio to present on the important issue of Gender-base Violence. Amanda shares relevant and current knowledge on GBV/IPV that support our student's skill, resource and theoretical development in a empathetic, respectful manner. Amanda's collaborative involvement with the Social Service Worker Program at Niagara College provides an amazing opportunity for our student's professional development as future social service workers in the field here in the Niagara Region. Thank you Amanda for your amazing work...we appreciate you!

-Lorraine Arbuckle, Professor 

The workshop provided by Amanda from Gillian's Place was highly engaging and informative for our nursing students. The content was well received and provided the students with an excellent example of the integration of social care to meet community and individual needs, all while inspiring awareness. Thank you Amanda and Gillian's Place!

-Danielle Dunwoody, Assistant Professor 

I wanted to take this time to let everyone know that Gillian's place has been diligent and wonderful. Jami and Amanda have been wonderful and provided every little detail to make sure that we were prepared for the information that was going to be presented for Gender-Based Violence. They not only were responsive, but when presenting, they made the material not so dry and exhausting. Their dedication and approach to this sensitive topic made a significant impact on our understanding and engagement with the subject matter. We greatly appreciate their efforts in creating a supportive and informative environment. Thank you, Jami and Amanda, for your exceptional work!

-Fatima Moussa, Clinical Director - Program Manager

Jami attended an event that was exclusive to our co-op students and offered valuable insight into the expectations of working within the non-profit sector. She spoke about the value of lived experience, and to be proud of adversities that you've overcome as it makes you who you are today. Her advice shared with students was well-received and much appreciated. We value this partnership with Gillian's Place and appreciate the feedback provided to our students as they prepare for their own career journeys

-Simone Lammers, Employer Talent Partnerships Consultant

Jami facilitated two sessions with our group - both addressed significant and immediate needs within our professional development: a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and the role the GP can take in supporting survivors; and, how trauma-informed care is crucial in supporting the clients and learners we connect with on a daily basis. Understanding the potential impacts of trauma - particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences - on an individual's participation in education encouraged our group of 'classroom adjacent' staff to really reflect on how to approach our interactions and biases with learners, regardless of if there are disclosures of trauma. Adopting an inclusive and trauma-informed approach to our service delivery model requires learning and unlearning - the information that was presented in both the presentations provided an accessible staring point, but also ideas for where to go from here with professional development, education, and - most importantly - real time and vital supports for the individual's we support. Thank you, Jami!

-Katherine Gottli, Student Advisor