maria rossouw

After graduating from Brentwood in 2019, I moved to Vancouver to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. During my time at UBC, I became involved with the campus radio station, first as part of a music collective and later as a student executive.

While studying, a lot of my spare time was spent volunteering with BC Crisis Centre, Seniors Services Society, and Kids Help Phone. Alongside my academic and volunteer work, I spent two years working in childcare and program development.

After obtaining my degree from UBC, I worked as a Community Resource Specialist with United Way BC, supporting callers across several services, including BC211, VictimLink BC, the Racist Incident Helpline, and the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Line.

After working remotely for some time, I began looking for a role in my local community that would allow me to combine my education with my previous experience, which led me to Cowichan Women Against Violence.

I currently work as a Child and Youth Case Manager in a home for women and children fleeing violence. I lead the child and youth program and provide trauma-informed case management to residents under 20 living independently. My work centres on building safe, trusting relationships with children and youth as they navigate and process experiences of trauma, while also supporting mothers through parenting support, childminding, and referrals as needs arise. Alongside direct support, I develop and facilitate programming that fosters healing, emotional regulation, connection, and skill-building within a dynamic and often unpredictable anti-violence setting.

Although much of my work can be heavy, I get to spend my day with some amazing people who are experiencing very difficult life transitions. To be entrusted with offering a soft landing place for others is a privilege and a role that continues to shape how I understand healing, connection, and the power of showing up.

I am looking forward to starting my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.