What is the Journey Project?

Janet (she/her) has a diploma in Child and Youth Care from Eastern College, a B.A. in English from Memorial, and a BSW from the University of Manitoba. Janet has worked community organizing, residential care, and alternative education programs for over fifteen years, focusing her efforts on supporting survivors of sexual violence in 2014 through her work with the NL Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre. Transitioning to the Journey Project in 2018 solidified her belief each individual is the expert in their own life and their own experiences. Janet is motivated every day by the strength and resiliency she sees in the people she works with and for. Janet loves the Atlantic Ocean, was raised around the bay, and currently resides in St. John’s with her supportive partner, his saucy cat, and her untrained dog.

Mandy (she/her) hails from Clarenville, NL and holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Memorial University. She has spent the last ten years as a registered social worker all over the province, and in fields including settlement/immigration, child welfare and post-secondary education. Outside of her work at The Journey Project, Mandy can sometimes be found teaching at Memorial, studying the menu at a local restaurant or debating politics with anyone who will listen. Mandy is a big-picture thinker who is passionate about aligning policy and research with front-line service delivery in a meaningful and inclusive way.

Ashley (she/her) is a registered social worker who has completed both a BSW with the University of Manitoba and a BA at Memorial University. After spending the better part of the last decade working with vulnerable and marginalized populations, Ashley now draws on her frontline experience to help her support survivors through the Journey Project. Ashley approaches the work and her world with a trauma-informed and harm reduction perspective seeking ways to include those most marginalized and using her lived experiences to inform her practice. In her free time, Ashley is an advocate, grassroots mobilizer, novice photographer, lover of solo road trips and plays Calvin to an aggressively affectionate cat named Hobbes.

Emma (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Social Work. She is currently completing her Master of Social Work with Memorial University. Emma has worked in the human service field for over a decade, primarily with systemically excluded populations. She has worked in residential care for children and youth in protective custody, shelter services for young women, mental health and addictions, Open Custody, and various research positions. She is passionate about reproductive justice, trauma-informed practice, and embodied approaches to healing. Emma joined the Journey Project team in 2019, bringing her own lived experiences to the work she does.
Emma spends most of her time parenting two rambunctious children with her partner, hiking the beautiful East Coast Trail, and attempting to practice yoga.

Sarah McHugh-Wade has a Bachelor of Arts and Certificate in Criminology, both from Memorial University. She has been a member of the PLIAN team since 2009, during which time she has worked on a variety of projects and with a variety of populations. Sarah was the first staff member at The Journey Project when it launched in 2017, and has been so humbled and proud of the growth and success of the project to date. During Sarah’s career in the community sector, she has built countless connections with people and organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador, and believes these connections helps her do her best, most holistic work. Sarah believes that aiming for these same connections with survivors helps build trust, and creates a path to support.  

Sarah lives ‘around the bay’ with her husband and two children. When she has a (rare) spare minute, she loves to read, try new recipes, explore the woods around her home, and re-watch The Office for the billionth time.  

Martina (she/her) has a diploma in Visual Arts from College of the North Atlantic, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University, and has studied Expressive Arts Therapy. She has spent the last 5 years working & volunteering in and for community in Labrador both in non-profit organizations and with the federal government. Martina is constantly inspired by the care and connection that folks in The Big Land have for one another and hopes to continue to strengthen the care, connection, and support in her role. Outside of the 9 to 5, Martina is a passionate and proud Labradorian, who has been reconnecting with her culture through tradition and beadwork. In her free time, she can be spotted creating art, listening to music, and adventuring with her dog and her partner – soaking up those big land skies.

Chelsea (she/her) is originally from Conception Bay South, NL however now resides in the beautiful town of Pasadena on Newfoundland’s West Coast. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from Memorial University as well as a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from Memorial University with certification through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Chelsea has worked with at risk youth and adults for a number of years before moving into the Mental Health and Counselling profession. This led to a natural progression in joining the team at The Journey Project and switching focus to supporting survivors of sexual violence and/or intimate partner violence. Chelsea takes an individualized, client centered approach to help survivors lead the way in their journey. When not in the office, Chelsea is a partner, a mama to two little girls and enjoys spending time with her three cats and two dogs. Time together may include hiking, trips to their cabin, crafting or baking.