The Roots of the Journey
I’m an 80s baby and a 90s kid, which means I grew up in a time when being a “helper” was second nature. As the oldest of my siblings and cousins, I learned early on what it meant to be an active part of a village. By the time I was a young teenager, I was already babysitting, and that spark never left me.
Over the years, my path has been paved with caregiving—from nannying and running a day home to leading summer camps and supporting families through those intense first weeks with a newborn. Now, as a parent of two myself, I’ve seen the journey from every angle. I know firsthand what it feels like to be the village for someone else, and I know exactly what it feels like to need one for yourself.
Bridging the Gap: From Professional Support to Community Connection
My path eventually led me into the not-for-profit realm, working as a Peer Support Worker. In that space, I held the hands of many as they navigated the complexities of the perinatal experience. It was deeply meaningful work, but it also revealed a hard truth: while our clinical and non-profit systems are vital, they often lack the long-term, informal “village” that parents truly need to thrive.
Through that work, it became incredibly clear that while we are all “connected” online, many of us are feeling more alone than ever. I saw a gap that needed to be bridged—specifically for those of us here in Edmonton. I started The Shared Village because I believe we shouldn’t have to navigate life’s big transitions in isolation. Whether you are navigating parenthood, a career shift, or simply looking for your “people,” the goal here is to let you know that you are not alone.
Our Perspective: Connection, Not Direction
We are grounded in the philosophy of Peer Support. Having worked professionally in this field, I’ve seen how transformative it is when we move away from the “expert/patient” dynamic and toward true equality. To us, that means:
Support, Not Advice: We aren’t here to tell you how to live your life or “fix” your situation. We believe you are the expert on your own experience.
Friendship over Formality: We focus on genuine connection and understanding, moving beyond clinical labels to human hearts.
Shared Space: We facilitate the community so you can find the friends who will walk this journey alongside you.
We are here to help you find your village—because we were never meant to do this alone.
Ready to find your people?
Parenthood is wild, beautifully chaotic, and way too heavy to carry on your own. You’ve read our story—now we want to hear yours. Grab your messy bun, your cold coffee, and whatever feelings you’re hauling around today, and come sit with us.
