Grant Writer & CSS Facilitator
At SJT Writing, we are dedicated to dismantling barriers to grant funding through our trauma-aware services that empower creative entrepreneurs and organizations to secure the necessary resources to initiate impactful projects.
My vision: To cultivate a world where storytelling serves as a transformative force for healing resiliency, and systemic change. We aspire to ensure that every artist, changemaker and organization receives the support necessary to amplify their voices and thrive.
Who Am I?
I was born Treaty No.13 People, with ancestors in Toronto and Newfoundland. My settler origins are from England, Ireland, and Scotland. My journey has been one of transformation, healing, and powerful storytelling. As a survivor of childhood trauma and suicide loss, my path to healing has been deeply intertwined with my work in grant writing, storytelling, and the arts.
In 2012, I moved to Western Canada for a fresh start. During this time, I discovered my passion for grant writing, a craft that would not only align with my values but also offer me the opportunity to support others in their missions.
I spent nearly a decade working in the legal field as a law clerk, collaborating with senior litigation lawyers across Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. While this experience honed my ability to navigate complex systems and pay attention to detail, I knew I needed to take a step back to focus on healing.
Relocating to Gleichen, Alberta, I had the privilege of becoming the Grant Writer for the local municipality. I began my deep connection with the arts community, volunteering with Tribe Artist Society, and later learning from the transformative teachings of Elaine Alec’s Cultivating Safe Spaces framework. My time in Gleichen helped me heal and guided me toward my purpose: empowering others to share their stories through grants and creative expression.
In 2021, I founded SJT Writing with a clear mission to support mission-driven professionals and organizations in securing funding for their impactful work. My background in law, social work studies, and the arts, combined with my lived experience, allows me to approach grant writing with a unique and empathetic perspective.
Now, based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), I continue my creative work, completing a collection of poetry and a memoir. My passion for storytelling and grant writing drives me to help artists, nonprofits, and community organizations thrive.
If you're looking for a grant writer who blends strategic thinking with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, I would love to work with you. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.
Qualifications
- Successfully gained access to over $2.1 million in grant funds for Artists and arts organizations
- Raised over $450,000 in grant funds
- Over 80 hours of grant writing mentorship and training with Dr. Beverly A. Browning
- Grant Writing certifications from the University of Calgary and LearnGrantWriting.org
- Creative Writing certification from the Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University
- Level 3 Cultivating Safe Spaces Facilitator
- Law Clerk Diploma
- PowHERhouse Amplify profile
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Our Values & Approach
Humaness
As a trauma survivor, I recognize the emotional weight of untold stories. As a trauma-informed grant writer, I listen with an understanding of self while respecting the lived experiences of those I serve.
Collaboration and Empowerment
Working in partnership, we focus on amplifying your voice and supporting the expression of untold stories by ensuring the writing process feels supportive and comfortable.
Reconciliation and Inclusion
We are on Indigenous land, and as uninvited guests, we take a decolonial approach using the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework. As lifelong learners, we welcome the gift of correction. Everyone’s perspective matters.
Patience and Discipline
We are patient with ourselves and the process. We are disciplined listeners, and discipline to process is equally as important.
Let's Collaborate!
As an innovative perspective, I am a visionary who thinks outside the box. I have a talent for seeing your vision and being a mirror for the beauty of your underappreciated gifts.
What are you working on? Click "Contact Us" to let us know.
Collaboration Calls and Goals
We have a story for why we selected the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGD), Call for Justice, and Call to Action. Please reach out if your project relates to these calls and goals.
SGDs
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
5.B Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
Our Truth & Reconciliation Focus
TRC Call to Action 66 - We call upon the federal government to establish multiyear funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices.
MMIWG Calls for Justice for All Governments: Health and Wellness
3.3. - We call upon all governments to fully support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to call on Elders, Grandmothers, and other Knowledge Keepers to establish community-based trauma-informed programs for survivors of trauma and violence.