Stationed in the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD), Michelle Viveiros is using her fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work practicum to set the groundwork for what could become a student-led clinic designed to help MacEwan students navigate university and community supports.

Under the guidance of professors Kealey Dube and Danielle Larocque and with support from CSGD’s Jessica Scalzo, Viveiros holds office hours, facilitates bi-weekly group sessions, listens to students and connects them with campus and community services. 

“It always begins with a casual conversation,” says Viveiros. “In social work, we call it a psychosocial assessment, but that really means having students tell me their story.”

From there, she lets the students lead the way. 

“Some students know exactly what they need, others have a good idea of their concerns and where they want to go next,” she says. “I can help navigate campus and community resources – everything from counselling and peer support to financial aid and the SAMU Pantry – walk them through the whole process, and even do follow-up and reassessment.”

Because she approaches every conversation from a social work lens, she gets to walk students through the whole process. And that can mean literally walking them across campus. 

“One of the big things students talk about is mental health concerns and resources. After we assess and determine what they are looking for, I can walk them down to Wellness & Psychological Services or Peer Support and offer a ‘warm’ transition to that service. It’s one of the coolest things I get to do.”

That personal touch resonates. 

“Sometimes the students I talk to are nervous to ask for help, but we’re going through many of the same things and sharing many similar experiences. It can be less intimidating to have access to another student.”

She adds that a “students helping students” approach also helps create a sense of community. 

“We are all in this together – we may be in different faculties of programs, but we share many of the same experiences.”

As Viveiros approaches the end of her practicum, she’s looking forward to sharing what she has learned with future social work practicum students. That includes her research into supports available on campus and how best to access them, as well as community resources like mental health practitioners who provide affirming care for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. It’s the groundwork that professors Dube and Larocque hope might eventually become a fully operational student-led clinic that benefits all students, including those offering the support.

“This has been an amazing learning opportunity for me to use my social work education,” says Viveiros. “Being a student in this space who can serve other students has been so fulfilling.”