Barnes Management Group (BMG) is pleased to have four graduate students starting a placement with us this September. In this profile piece, we would like to introduce you to our second student, Matthew Pascoal.
Matthew Pascoal comes from a range of front-line experience and is eager to learn more about the various roles consultants play and how they influence the system at large. Since 2015, he has worked in a case management capacity as an Addictions Specialist with the North Peel Assertive Community Treatment Team (NP-ACTT). ACTT has provided the opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with other professionals, providing support to individuals challenged with symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Matthew completed his BA in Psychology at the University of Guelph in 2012 and has always had passion for working with marginalized and vulnerable populations. Much of this passion comes from his own experience of being part of the LGBT+ community, the challenges marginalization has at the individual level, but more importantly the challenges we continue to see at the systemic level.
In 2014, Matthew completed a post-graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health at Durham College and has focused much of his practical experience in concurrent disorders. He has a passion for harm reduction initiatives, such as supervised injection sites, in reducing drug-related fatalities while giving an entry point for those who may want to make changes in their substance use.
Other experiences in the social service sector include the justice system (casual work with Victim Services of Peel) and residential support work. Matthew is excited to learn from a range of very experienced and talented individuals at a more systemic/organizational level, and how to advocate for positive changes that will eventually trickle down to the service recipient.
Welcome, Matthew!
Story Contributor: Fernando Tomas Saldahna Managing Director, Barnes Management Group.
