About Zivi
In the beginningZivi was born and raised in Dieppe, New Brunswick. Early experiences of personal suffering as a neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ child lead Zivi to devote their life to supporting people like them.
Today, Zivi practices Clinical Social Work as a registered Social Worker with the New-Brunswick Association of Social Workers.
Undergraduate DegreeZivi began to build a foundation for their career by moving to Ottawa. They started by volunteering with the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO), particularly with the Pride Center. Zivi discovered the power of their own voice and experiences, and dove into public speaking. Zivi began delivering workshops, speaking on panels, and guest lecturing.
Zivi collaborated with many LGBTQ+ leading organizations, such as Jer’s Vision (Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity), Canadian University Queer Services Conference, Capital Pride, Pink Triangle Service (Kind Space), and even delivered a TEDx Talk.
Moreover, Zivi worked as coordinator with the SFUO’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC) for four years. Zivi built and delivered anti-oppression training programs and trainings on LGBTQ+ experiences. The WRC collective organized large events that were at times attended by over 4,000 students.
Most important to Zivi’s heart was their work with Project Acorn, an LGBTQ+ youth summer camp that was run by Camp Ten Oaks. Zivi worked on the executive team as the Operations Coordinator.
In 2015, Zivi graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor’s of Social Sciences (Women Studies and Social Work).
Master of Social WorkIn 2015, Zivi moved to Toronto for a Masters of Social Work at York University. During this time, Zivi completed two years of graduate courses, wrote a research thesis on LGBTQ+ youth, and completed two practicums. Additionally, Zivi continued to deliver trainings on gender and sexuality in the community.
Zivi was first mentored by the brilliant clinicians at the Community Engagement Center and PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Health). Zivi supported afterschool programming, provided individual case management, and support for children and teens.
Zivi was then mentored by a resilient senior Community Development Officer with the City of Toronto. Zivi supported and organized neighbourhood round tables, wrote grants, evaluated program efficiency, and ran support groups. Zivi also supervised two BSW undergraduate students.
Return to New-Brunswick Zivi returned to New-Brunswick in 2017. They landed in the rural town of Rogersville as a Community Development Officer. Zivi worked on building community through the District Scolaire Francophone Sud and le Village de Rogersville. They continued to deliver LGBTQ+ education through workshops and public speaking. Zivi was elected as President of River of Pride (ROP) the same year. Zivi led ROP for three years, and delivered many trainings, workshops and facilitation of events.
In 2018, Zivi returned to Moncton and joined the multidisciplinary FACT team (Flexible Assertive Community Treatment. Zivi provided mental health accompaniment to unhoused and precariously housed people living with severe mental health issues.
Eventually, Zivi took on a Clinical Social Work role in a psychiatric hospital for federal inmates. This setting was high intensity treatment, and Zivi did case management, assessments, referrals, and treatment with patients who suffered of severe and acute mental health symptoms.
Private PracticeIn 2022, Zivi launched a part-time private practice focused on LGBTQ+ people. Eventually, Zivi left public service to dedicate themselves to their clinic full time.
Zivi’s life ambition continues to be the betterment of society and alleviating human suffering.