My name is Laura Howe
I’m a registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers of Ontario. I’m also a Certified Associate of Project Management and a member of the Project Management Institute.
Throughout my career, I have invested in some valuable training in cognitive behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, brief narrative therapy, anger solutions, life skills coaching, applied suicide interventions skills, mental health first aid, and an addictions certificate from Laurier University.
For over 13 years I worked for a non-profit mental health organization specializing in adult mental health and addictions. During my tenure, I worked as a frontline social worker offering therapy, advocacy, and addictions counseling to some of the most marginalized, ill and incredible people in the community.
I also had the honor to serve as a team leader and project lead during some strategic organizational transitions.
Although I was doing incredible and rewarding work, I was growing restless knowing God had something different planned for my life. I tried a few other paths in search of my calling, but nothing seemed to fit. God had different plans for me.
In 2018, God downloaded Hope Made Strong into my heart and the work of bringing practical mental health resources to the church began.
MY CALLING
I have always felt an underlying frustration both in my career and at church. I knew the hope of Christ was the only way for people to be truly free, but I was not able to share this information at work or in a professional capacity.
At church, I experienced frustration when the needs of the community were not reflected in our services, programs or messaging.
After a number of years wrestling with this friction. God spoke to me,
“You are a bridge between the church and the community. There will always be a tension, so just get used to it!”
I was called to bring the message of hope to my community and equip the church to meet the needs of our communities
Let’s Get Personal
I’m a mom of two amazing girls! They keep me busy with endless activities, constant snuggles and entertaining end of day chats. Aaron, my incredible husband, and partner in crime is a gift from God and is a steady ever patient man keeping my feet on the ground.
I am an avid believer in volunteering, as I know that sharing your gifts within the community is one of the best ways to utilize your talents.
I’m a proud Girl Gang member, and I’ve been incredibly blessed to stay connected with the same group of friends since high school (and that was before social media, so it’s quite the feat!). What a blessing it’s been to have friends who let me be vulnerable, honest and do not care that I snort when I laugh!
I love adventure! In fact, I would hike all day if I could. Our family of four frequently goes camping during the summer.
In general, I live by the motto “Always travel with snacks, because you never know when an adventure will begin”.
