EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Before she knew what career she wanted to pursue, Taylor Wells found herself drawn to the non-profit sector. With a degree in Psychology and Anthropology (Indigenous Studies) and a passion for supporting well-being, she pursued a Master of Social Work for its versatility and impact.

Taylor has worked across a wide range of non-profit areas, including pre- and post-natal care, homelessness and housing, addiction, post-incarceration, poverty, disability/diversability, and employment. In 2018, she became a mental health therapist and the first Associate at Laura Gatien & Associates Counselling Services.

During her time there, Taylor began providing clinical supervision and program management for Just Us when it was still a program under Laura Gatien & Associates. As the program grew, it was later incorporated as its own non-profit organization. Taylor remained closely involved throughout this transition and became the organization’s first Executive Director.

An advocate for accessible mental health supports, Taylor feels her experiences and passions have aligned perfectly in this role, where she combines advocacy and program management to support barrier-free programming for all who access services.

Taylor continues to provide therapy while also offering clinical supervision to counselling interns through Just Us, supporting the next generation of professionals in the field. She is trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy and Somatic Trauma Therapy, and particularly enjoys working with couples. She also supports individuals navigating trauma, including sexual assault, spiritual abuse, infertility, and pregnancy loss.

Across all her roles, Taylor is committed to empowering others through an Anti-Oppressive Framework that recognizes the impact of broader societal systems. She believes individuals are the experts of their own lives and is passionate about working alongside clients and interns as they move through self-doubt, fear, and the challenges that come with growth and change. She also values strong partnerships with community partners and funders, recognizing the importance of collective impact.

Taylor believes deeply that it takes a village and values working alongside others in all aspects of her work. Feel free to reach out anytime at taylor@justusinc.ca.

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Gena is a dedicated professional with a strong academic foundation in sociology and psychology, equipping her with a deep understanding of human behavior and social dynamics. She holds a Criminology certificate from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Her commitment to community well-being is underscored by her Family-Centred Practice certification from the University of Iowa and specialized training in the Sanctuary Model, focusing on trauma-informed care.

Gena has diverse experience across non-profit organizations and government sectors. As the Executive Director of a Boys and Girls Club, she focused on youth development and community engagement. In her role as Manager of Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing, she implemented proactive initiatives to enhance community safety. Additionally, as the Director of Group Care Services for at-risk children and youth, she oversaw programs that support mental health and well-being. Her background as a Supervisor and support worker for homelessness has provided critical insights into the challenges families face regarding housing.

Passionate about advocacy, Gena is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments. She believes that true inclusivity goes beyond tolerance and actively works to ensure that every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Her approach includes championing policies for equitable access, engaging in educational outreach, and facilitating dialogues that foster empathy and understanding.

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR & COMMUNITY LEAD

Alexandrea (Allie) Cantwell, M.Ed., is a Licensed Counselling Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who serves as Clinical Supervisor and Community Lead at Just Us; We All Struggle Inc. With over five years of experience across private practice, public health, and nonprofit sectors, she brings a trauma-informed, person-centered, and anti-oppressive approach to her work. Alexandrea began her career in nonprofit and social services roles, where she supported individuals facing socioeconomic barriers to care and contributed to programming aimed at increasing access to support which is an experience that continues to shape her clinical and supervisory lens.

Throughout her career, Allie has worked in addiction treatment, post-secondary settings, and community health, supporting individuals navigating trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges. She is also the founder of Connected Therapy, where she provides integrative counselling to diverse populations, including veterans and first responders. Her clinical experience, combined with a strong interest in mentorship and leadership, naturally led her into clinical supervision, where she is passionate about supporting the growth, confidence, and ethical development of emerging therapists.

Allie believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in meaningful change. She strives to create spaces where both clients and clinicians feel supported, challenged, and empowered to explore their capacity for healing and growth. Grounded in empathy, professionalism, and a non-judgmental approach, she is committed to fostering connection, resilience, and a deeper sense of self, while maintaining an integrative practice informed by ongoing training in trauma therapies, EMDR, and mind-body approaches.

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