Erin's Story
Struggling with addiction and trauma, Erin lost custody of her eight children. During this time in her life, Erin’s mother passed away. Feeling like she had hit rock bottom, Erin knew something had to change. She entered rehab and began her new life.
Within one year, Erin regained custody of her children. However, she struggled with becoming a full-time mom again, having not had children in her care for four years.
When she enrolled her daughter at John A. McDougall School, she met Hermila, the school’s Roots and Wings worker. She helped connect Erin with resources and Indigenous supports, like sweats.
Hermila noticed that Erin needed further mental health support. She was then introduced to the school's Mental Health Therapist, Meena. At first, Erin was hesitant. “I wasn't sure she was going to understand a lot of things if I were to be really honest with her,” shares Erin. However, she could tell that Meena genuinely cared for her well-being. “Meena’s an amazing person. She’s such a caring lady. I just felt like I could trust her.”
Meena also incorporated Indigenous practices in sessions with Erin. They start each meeting with a smudge. Erin believes this has helped her on her healing journey. “It has helped me feel closer to my ancestors, closer to my mother, and makes me feel proud of who I am and where I come from.”
Erin thinks that not enough people take chances on school mental health therapists and Roots and Wings workers. “They're not just there for their job. They want to actually help people in good ways,” believes Erin.
Erin still works with Meena on her mental health. She implements the coping mechanisms and tools she has learned daily. She plans to continue living a sober and happy life with her children.
Learn more about Roots & Wings, and other resources in Edmonton schools