Beckett Haywood

AAS CCW

Program Development & Community Engagement Lead

Hello!

My name is Beckett Haywood (they/ them), Program Development & Community Engagement Lead at Dorset Pier Mental Health. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay on traditional lands of the Anishinabek Nation and traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, later attending Lakehead University for my BA in Psychology with concentration in Gender Studies. I always like to share that sometimes parts of university allow for “making it what you can”, which I leaned into whenever possible - like when writing a major paper for a technofeminism course on the psychological implications of gender roles in robots, humanoids, and non-Earthly aliens in Futurama.

After graduating, I explored various employment and built what has been described as an “eclectic” resume, spanning the non-profit arts sector, postal delivery, bike couriering, industrial operations support, and hospital housekeeping to name just a few jobs of many. Most recently, I worked for the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as a Youth Services Officer in a secure custody facility before seven years as an AAS Certified Crisis Worker with a mental health crisis service. Both of these experiences built a deep appreciation for and understanding of the potential impacts of vicarious trauma, workplace violence, high-stress frontline work, and unresolved burnout. Undergoing a major surgery in early 2024 brought with it reflection on the difficult changes I needed to consider to truly prioritize my wellness for what felt like the first time. An opening at DPMH came at the opportune moment and allowed me to continue contributing to the field, but in ways much more sustainable for me. I feel honoured to be finding my best self again alongside the incredible team at Dorset Pier Mental Health while offering programming in the community.

As a queer, trans, non-binary, neurodivergent, disabled person, a lot of my passion lies within equity-seeking advocacy. My work is rooted in an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction lens that prioritizes holding authentic space for myself and others via encompassing, validating, and non-judgemental engagement.

Outside of the office, you can often find me spending time with my two cats, cycling, making things, getting a little too absorbed in a video game, or dabbling in birdwatching and (likely, still) waiting for my chance at a photo of a painted bunting.

I look forward to hearing about your programming ideas and needs, and collaborating to support meaningful sharing, learning, and discussion. Please do not hesitate to be in touch!