Saira Batasar-Johnie locates herself as a brown, Indo-Caribbean Canadian cisgender woman of Indo-Caribbean/South Asian Indian descent and 1st generation settler in T’karonto/Toronto, Ontario situated on the territory of the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the New Credit and Haudenosaunee Peoples, with recognition to “The Dish With One Spoon” wampum and Treaty 13.

Saira’s parents were immigrants escaping violence, oppression and poverty in Guyana and Trinidad. Saira is an author, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, and Registered Social Worker, who currently works in post-secondary as a Student Affairs Coordinator and Part-time Professor across the GTA.

She is also a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Saira is passionate about bringing the history of Indo-Caribbeans to the newest diaspora of young people. She hopes to educate young people with her words, her book “Dear Divya” is the first of many and she hopes to inspire them to continue their journey of understanding themselves in this world.

Saira embodies the essence of a dedicated professional and compassionate Social worker and Child and Youth Worker, committed to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of those around her. As an unwavering advocate for mental health, she tirelessly works towards breaking down societal barriers that often shroud important conversations in silence.

In her pursuit of fostering mental health awareness, Saira champions the idea that open dialogue is essential for healing. Her passion lies in creating a space where individuals not only seek counselling and therapy but actively engage in a reciprocal process of growth and understanding. Saira envisions a world where discussing mental health is not only destigmatized but embraced as a crucial aspect of holistic well-being.

Her unwavering dedication to breaking societal norms and cultivating a supportive environment reflects her belief in the transformative power of shared experiences. Saira’s journey is marked by her commitment to building bridges between individuals and mental health resources.

Saira Batasar-Johnie locates herself as a brown, Indo-Caribbean Canadian cisgender woman of Indo-... Read More

Jahtara Hutchinson-Bobb is a Black Caribbean Canadian woman of Jamaican and Vincentian descent.

She is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, and Non-Profit Leader with over 15 years of experience in mental health, addictions, and youth and family-focused community work. Jahtara is also the Founder and Executive Director of Karen’s Afro-Carib Healing Space, where she designs and delivers culturally grounded wellness programs that affirm and uplift African, Black, and Caribbean youth.

Jahtara is a community advocate, and passionate mental health practitioner. Her approach is rooted in holistic, trauma-informed care that centers cultural identity and lived experience. She focuses her practice on supporting individuals through trauma, grief, and behavioural challenges, helping clients build tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and healing. She is deeply committed to breaking the silence around mental health in Black communities and creating safe spaces for people to feel seen, valued, and empowered. As a College Professor, she educates the next generation on the importance of culturally responsive care and equity-driven practice.

Jahtara’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the transformative power of connection, advocacy, and collective healing.

Jahtara Hutchinson-Bobb is a Black Caribbean Canadian woman of Jamaican and Vincentian descent. ... Read More