Empowering Caregivers: Conference & Toolkit Launch Event

PEER ADVOCATE, RESTORATIONS SECOND STAGE HOMES
MC, Empowered Caregivers Development Panelist, Lived Experience Panel Facilitator, and Collaboration in Action Session Facilitator

Michelle is a survivor of domestic sex trafficking. After being trafficked and entrenched in the sex trade for over 13 years, she now draws on her lived experience to inform and strengthen anti-human trafficking advocacy and awareness efforts.

Michelle was instrumental to the project by coordinating meaningful opportunities for survivors to share their insights through the Survivor Forum, survey process, and individual consultations with those with lived experience. Her leadership has helped ensure that the project remains rooted in the real experiences and wisdom of those most impacted by trafficking and exploitation.

ANTI HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONSULTANT, ADVOCATE AND SPOKEN WORD POET
Lived Experience Panelist and Spoken Word Poetry

Stephanie is a human trafficking survivor who was trafficked from ages 17-23 in Ottawa and other parts of Ontario. She now is a Social Work graduate and uses her poetry as a form of healing. Stephanie is passionate about spreading awareness on this crises and advocating for all forms of injustice.

PERSON WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION
Lived Experience Panelist

Nikki was trafficked between the ages of 14-21, an experience that has deeply shaped who she is today and fuels her commitment to advocacy and change. What matters most to her right now is ensuring that others who are experiencing similar harm know they are not alone, and that while healing is not an easy fight, support and community can make all the difference.

She chose to become part of the Empowered Caregiver Project because she believes in standing alongside survivors, advocating for systemic change, and helping create a world where no one has to navigate recovery alone. With the support of Restorations, Nikki is reclaiming her voice and using it to challenge the systems that failed her.

She hopes that those who have caused her harm see her face, hear her name, and know that they did not break her—they made her a force to be reckoned with. She also hopes others remember that survival is powerful, healing is possible, and that no one deserves to be silenced or walk this path alone, and that’s why we’re here today.

SURVIVOR OF TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION
Lived Experience Panelist

Athena is a survivor of trafficking and exploitation and has been out for almost five years. She also has addiction history and has managed to overcome that as well. She completely changed her life around, and wants to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. She chose to become part of the Empowered Caregiver Project because she wants people to know the truth about how human trafficking victims and addicts are treated. She felt truly cared for and understood when she met with a peer support worker the first time. Having people with lived experience makes us feel heard, and she wants to contribute to people getting the care they need. She hopes to become a peer support worker herself.

SPEAKING IN HONOUR OF DANIELLE DUPE

Haley is speaking in honour of her sister, Danielle Dupe, who has passed away and had lived experience with trafficking, exploitation, trauma, and addiction. Through her speech, Haley shares Danielle’s story to raise awareness about the realities faced by those impacted by trafficking and exploitation, and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support.

Haley also speaks about the role that support programs played in Danielle’s life, and how access to care, stability, and consistent support helped her begin a new life. Through sharing Danielle’s journey, Haley hopes to highlight both the challenges faced and the impact that compassion and meaningful support can have for those with lived experience.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RESTORATIONS SECOND STAGE HOMES
Empowered Caregivers Development Panelist

Jennifer has been engaged in anti-trafficking work since 2011 and became Executive Director of Restorations Second Stage Homes in 2018 after being part of the Board of Directors since the organization’s start in 2013. Jennifer holds an MA from Brock University (Social Justice & Equity Studies), where her research focused on the ways pimps and traffickers in Canada target, recruit, and condition women and girls for sexual exploitation.

Deeply committed to amplifying the voices and leadership of survivors, Jennifer’s approach to anti-trafficking work continues to be shaped by the insight, strength, and experiences that survivors have generously shared with her over the years.

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, MARKETING DIRECTOR, ROOTS & RIVERS
Empowered Caregivers Development Panel - Facilitator

Hayley is a white settler who brings clarity, systems thinking, and curiosity to her work. She is committed to making ideas accessible and actionable, and supports organizations in aligning strategy, clarifying vision, and deepening impact. With a Master’s in Food and Bioproduct Sciences and a diploma in Science Communication, she combines technical insight with thoughtful communication.

Since 2020, Hayley has been a core member of the Roots & Rivers team. Her role spans leading projects, operations, communications, and marketing. She excels at synthesizing complex information, managing multiple layers of work, and supporting teams through deep listening and facilitation. Her practice is grounded in care, integrity, and a strong commitment to social impact.

ARTIST, THINKLINK GRAPHICS
Graphic Recorder

Devon loves using art to spark understanding and connection. With a Master’s in Cultural Studies focused on sequential art, comics and graphic narratives, she was drawn to graphic recording to bring deep listening, critical thinking, and storytelling together. Devon deeply values relationships from the beginning to end of each project. Her work, especially with First Nations communities, healthcare organizations, and educators—centres care, curiosity, and diverse perspectives. Devon lives with her partner and three children in Guelph.