OUR TEAM

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
MA SOCIOLOGY
(SHE/HER)

TAKE A RISK AND DO SOMETHING GREAT

“I am someone who likes to pursue ideas, not just generate and voice them. This requires the courage to take risks, to ‘bite off more than we can chew’ and to be flexible to change. It demands energy and motivation, but the rewards are great. When we do this, we create. Research, evidence and imagination have the power to make change. The hard part is moving to action. How? Through trial and through practice, and with dedication, thoughtfulness and courage. Knowledge is the stuff of change. As someone who sees tremendous value in research, my commitment is to see the great knowledge we have on our shelves and in our communities put into practice.”

Email
[email protected]

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
PHD SOCIAL WORK
MSW SOCIAL WORK
(SHE/HER)

QUESTION YOUR WAY TO SOLUTIONS
“With all the talk on systems impact, methods, measurement and social change, we are often quick to dismiss our most basic assumptions that surround these concepts. I always like to begin with the basics and ask others and myself some simple questions. The answers can be surprising, often reflecting the confusion, conflation and confluence of the social landscape. I see my role first and foremost as one who can get to the bottom of those fundamental questions. Returning to these questions time and time again reminds us that complexity often lies in answering the simplest questions easily.”

Email
[email protected]

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
PHD HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (IN CANDIDACY)
MA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHE/HER)

MAKING SENSE OF WHAT WE KNOW
“I’m fascinated by how good ideas get traction with people, organizations and communities. When thinking about a question or an issue, I think it’s prudent to ask: how does what we learn benefit the people or the community it’s aiming to assist? Without impact at that level, what is the point? That makes us tinkerers, researchers, evaluators and activists who want to take good ideas and great practices and apply them, test them and learn from them, for everyone’s benefit”.

Email
[email protected]

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
RSW
MSW SOCIAL WORK
BSW,BA SOCIAL WORK & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHE/HER)

Erika Lemon is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and International Development from Dalhousie University. She has a plethora of experience within the social services field, including working with people experiencing houselessness, refugee claimants, and people with disabilities. Her practice experiences intersect with her interest in community based, participatory research and she takes a critical approach to her work. When Erika isn’t engaging in research one of her biggest passions is travelling. She loves to explore new countries and become immersed in the culture and everyday way of life.

Email
[email protected]

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
MSC REFUGEE AND FORCED MIGRATION STUDIES
BA POLITICAL SCIENCE
(SHE/HER)

Jasmine is a researcher who is passionate about people and creating social change. She has experience working in the academic, non-profit, and private sectors including previous work at the University of British Columbia and an international fund-raising consultancy. Jasmine is detail-oriented and brings strong critical, analytical, and writing skills to her work. She is driven by her interest in knowledge mobilization, education, and community development. Before working at Habitus, Jasmine worked at a local non-profit focused on empowerment for immigrant and refugee children and youth.

Email
[email protected]

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
MA SOCIOLOGY
BA SOCIOLOGY
(HE/HIM)

Laurent Wall is a researcher whose strengths are qualitative research methods and bringing people of different backgrounds together to collaborate on hard questions and engage in the difficult work of coming to a consensus and finding solutions. He has experience working as a research assistant, research associate, and instructor and takes great pleasure in being able to communicate complex research ideas to diverse audiences. During his research and other professional experience, he has worked with diverse people and diverse subjects, and is not afraid to get his feet wet to tackle new topics and difficult problems.

Email
[email protected]

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
BA POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
(HE/HIM)

Omar is a researcher that is most interested in leveraging policy to improve development outcomes for all. He has a passion for discussion around important topics like education, sustainable economic growth and equitable human development. He has experience in policy development, political education, and community organization. Before working for Habitus, Omar worked in the non-profit sector and served as the Undersecretary-General for IMUNA.

Email
[email protected]

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
BSC HONOURS, NEUROSCIENCE (IN PROGRESS)
(SHE/HER)

Simran is a researcher and data analyst who is passionate about equality, as well as equitable access to mental health and wellbeing resources. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, majoring in Neuroscience, and minoring in Data Science. She has a variety of research experience, working in basic, clinical, and now, qualitative research. Simran enjoys working with and analyzing data, and creating data visualizations and tables.

Email
[email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
BBA INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCES
(SHE/HER)

Esra has a Bachelors of Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto. She is a researcher with administrative skills and is passionate about the well-being of people, diversity and inclusiveness. She has experience working in the civic and social sectors and enjoys breaking barriers and asking daring questions. Before working at Habitus, Esra worked at the University of Calgary, SHIFT: Project to end domestic violence and research projects involving Immigrants and Refugees.

Email
[email protected]