Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and The Bouchier Group have named Amy Parsons in the 2022-2023 Women of Inspiration Series.
Known for her work in addressing mental health needs in the community, Parsons is the third selection by the Women of Inspiration Committee.
Parsons launched ‘Amy Parsons Clinical Consulting Inc.’ earlier this year.
“I always think I try to do what’s right, not what’s easy. I’ve never done that with the intention of being a role model, or being a leader or anything like that. I’ve just done it because I feel like that’s what it means to be a good human. I strive to leave the planet and the world in a better place because of some small tangible actions I can take.”
Graduating from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2012, Parsons began her career as the Coordinator of Family Access Services and the Director of Family Access Services at The Hub Family Resource Centre.
Since then, she held several roles in Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo.
Most notably in 2017, as a member of Alberta Health Services, Parsons created a $216,000 proposal for the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) towards the construction of a Pediatric & Adolescent Mental Health Sensory Room.
“If we had classes in communication and naming emotions in childhood, what a different society we would have in 20 years. But we’re not there yet and since we’re not there yet I’m trying to support children and youth in the best way I can.”
Parsons’ proposal received unanimous endorsement.
As of publication, it’s the NLHF’s Greatest Need Fund.
Clinical Consulting
When asked about ‘Amy Parsons Clinical Consulting Inc.’, Parsons said her practice focuses on social justice.
She said achieving mental health and wellness also involves addressing social, political, and environmental challenges that shape people’s lived experiences.
“I want to be able to make the promise to people coming to see me that you won’t just get this one hour of therapy every two weeks. If you need something, call me and I will support you in whatever way I can.”
Parsons began her Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work in 2021.
She’ll research what she calls “psychiatric weaponization” or the adverse experience of healthcare workers, who disclose mental health issues in the workplace, particularly for woman, racialized persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Parsons joins Surekha Kanzig and Saakshi Arvikar in the Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta 2022-23 Women of Inspiration Series.
The deadline for online nominations for the fourth selection of the series is Oct. 30, 2022.
