Hi, I’m Mersini! I’m passionate about working with people, building genuine relationships, and creating spaces where people and communities feel heard, understood, and supported. I’ve always believed that meaningful change starts with relationships, with taking the time to listen, understand someone’s experience, and build trust before trying to create change. I’m currently completing my Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor and am completing my placement with Barnes Management Group.
My professional background has primarily been in the mental health and addictions sector, where I’ve had the opportunity to work across clinical, community, and organizational settings. I currently work at a residential treatment facility for acute mental health and addictions challenges. Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside individuals and families, healthcare providers, Indigenous communities and organizations, and corporate partners. Each experience has taught me something different about the importance of meeting people where they are and recognizing that there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and community well-being.
As my work has evolved, so has my interest in the systems surrounding mental health. It has also deepened my interest in how organizations can listen to communities, build meaningful partnerships, and approach change in a way that is responsive to their unique needs.
I’m especially excited to be joining the Barnes Management Group team and contributing to the Pathways to Caring Communities project. This placement feels like a natural extension of the work I’ve been drawn to throughout my career in understanding people and communities, building relationships, and exploring how we can create meaningful change at a systems level. I’m looking forward to learning from the BMG team, bringing my experiences from the mental health sector into the work, and growing my understanding of what it means to support communities in creating systems that truly work for them.
Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with my family and friends, exploring Toronto, or finding an excuse to try a new restaurant or coffee shop.
