Asha Ramsumair (She/Her), MSW, RSW

I am a first generation Canadian with meaningful connections to Trinidad and Tobago and my West-Indian/Caribbean background.

Experience/ Areas of Expertise 

As a Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, I practice from an anti-racist and client-centered lens—I believe that students are the experts in their lives.  My passion is student mental health and I have a deep appreciation for experiences of anxiety, depression, stress, isolation, uncertainty, and lacking motivation.  I take an integrated approach to counselling and my work with students emphasizes Behavioural Activation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Based Mindfulness.  I’ve received training in Brief and Single Session Therapy, Risk assessment and Crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Gender and Racial Bias awareness.  I have an Honours BA with High Distinction in Crime Law and Deviance and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Social Justice.

Things I love

Cooking is my happy place because it helps me stay connected to and share my culture with others—I’m always thinking about what to cook next!  I also enjoy the challenge of taking care of my office and house plants.  Surrounding myself with greenery is a way I ground myself and I appreciate the reminder that growth is always possible.