Cassandra Mathers is currently a Masters of Child and Youth Care student at the Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her education and experiential internships she has developed a love for working with children and youth. Utilizing an anti-oppressive lens that is also strengths-based she and her clients are able to develop meaningful connections that promote healing and positive change. Her current strengths include working with those who live with different developmental abilities, anxiety, and depression. Her caring & curious personality has led to a deeper interest in working with those who live with grief and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In her final stretch of her masters degree she continues to be committed to nurturing her passion by participating in various certifications, workshops, and always learning from those that have trusted her with their life experiences. As a competitive athlete, when Cassandra is not working, you will often find her participating and volunteering in local sporting events, to ensure her own self care. When we take care of ourselves, we are not only practicing what we often encourage others to do, we are better equipping ourselves to be present for everything that life throws at us.

Cassandra Mathers is currently a Masters of Child and Youth Care student at the Toronto Metropoli... Read More

Being vulnerable and asking for help gives us strength to learn, speak and live our truth. With over 24 years of experience Jennifer Bishop, (pronouns she/her), a woman, a mother, and a registered social worker walks alongside those who are feeling discomfort, pain and/or fear, while supporting them in recognizing ways to reconnect, integrate and manage their emotions. Jennifer prides herself on being an empathetic ear, an ally and an advocate for those she has had the privilege to work with. Jennifer has had extensive experience working with children, youth, and families. She is particularly passionate about supporting those who have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or intimate partner violence. She also has extensive training and experience working with those living with chronic and/or situational mental health problems, as well as, individuals living with different cognitive abilities. Jennifer customizes her therapeutic approach to each person she works with by utilizing her training and experience in attachment, trauma informed, and signs of safety models. Through empathy and understanding, hope can be cultivated, nurturing personal and collective growth.

Change is possible when we can deepen our self-awareness, focus on reconnection and learn to forgive ourselves. Let me help you, help yourself. You “got this” you just may not know it yet.

Being vulnerable and asking for help gives us strength to learn, speak and live our truth. With ... Read More

Welcome to J.A.G. Village … A Place to Be Held

Life can be incredibly challenging, especially when we feel like we have to carry it all alone. At J.A.G. Village, we believe that healing begins with connection. Whether you’re navigating grief, loss, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to walk alongside you … with compassion, care, and a deep respect for your unique journey.

I’m Jodi Gorham, a Registered Social Worker, College Professor, and most importantly, a mother to two beautiful children … Davis, whom I hold in my arms, and Jorja, whom I hold forever in my heart. My personal and professional experiences in children’s mental health, social justice, and education have shaped my passion for grief work and community care.

At J.A.G. Village, we specialize in grief, mourning, and bereavement support. We understand how disorienting and isolating these experiences can be, and we’re committed to creating a space where all emotions are welcome … where love and loss, joy and sorrow, can coexist.

Our approach is holistic and heart-centered, moving away from traditional medical models that often overlook the full humanity of those they serve. We honour your story, your culture, your values, and your pace. This is a space where you can show up exactly as you are.

For those who are interested, I also integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Narrative Therapy Internal Family Systems (IFS) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Solution-Focused Therapy Attachment-Focused and Trauma-Informed Approaches

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a path forward that feels grounded, meaningful, and true to you.

You are not alone … You are welcome here.

Welcome to J.A.G. Village … A Place to Be Held Life can be incredibly challenging, especially wh... Read More

Allyson Newman Client & Village Coordinator

Ally is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and has a longstanding connection to J.A.G. Village and the Gorham family. Having witnessed firsthand the importance of connection, community, and compassionate support, she is passionate about helping people feel welcomed and cared for from their very first interaction with the Village.

As Client & Village Coordinator, Ally helps individuals navigate services, answer questions, and connect with the support, practitioner, or program that best fits their needs. She believes that reaching out can be one of the hardest steps, and strives to create a warm, supportive experience for everyone who connects with J.A.G. Village.

Allyson Newman Client & Village Coordinator Ally is currently completing her undergraduate d... Read More

Brent Knowles is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Child and Youth Worker who earned his diploma in Child and Youth Work at Northern College. His areas of practice include parenting interventions and behaviour management with a focus on increasing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents and reducing mental health, emotional, and behavioural struggles in children and youth. In addition to his role with JAG Village, Mr. Knowles has worked as an Intensive Community Support Worker at Kinark Child and Family Services for the past 20 years providing individual, family and group treatment. Mr. Knowles also has previous experience working in live in treatment settings at Frontenac Youth Services. Mr. Knowles’ approach to treatment is primarily cognitive behavioural always ensuring a collaborative relationship with clients.

Brent Knowles is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Child and Youth Worker who earned his diploma... Read More