Meet Vergie
Vergie believes that it is crucial for us to collectively address and heal from trauma to foster individual and communal growth.
Vergie earned her Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa in 1996. Initially teaching high school English and social studies for four years, she later pursued a Masters in education at the University of Ottawa in 2000 with aspirations of becoming a principal. However, she did not complete the program and instead chose to join the Canadian Armed Forces.
While in the military, Vergie attended Laurentian University, obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) to specialize as a clinical social worker and mental health specialist within the military while in uniform. Currently, she is engaged in doctoral studies at Carleton University, focusing on racial trauma within the BIPOC population in the Canadian Armed Forces.
While Vergie collaborates with clients across various backgrounds, she particularly values working with individuals who have encountered the profound emotional impact of racism and discrimination, as well as those who have intergenerational trauma in their past.
Self-Care is a priority
Outside of work, Vergie prioritizes self-care and time with family to rejuvenate including:
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Daily physical fitness (long distance running, biking, strength training), healthy eating, reading, lunch with a friend, pedicures, manicures, living her best life, travelling with her spouse, practicing self-awareness, learning, and utilizing emotional intelligence, giving space to her young adult daughters to become their own people, drinking one coffee every morning, hot showers, and hiking in nature.
My relationship with trauma
I have endured and gained strength from both intergenerational and racial trauma. I believe that, as a community, individuals—particularly those in the BIPOC community—can overcome their traumatic histories and achieve post-traumatic growth. This involves acknowledging and processing past experiences, often through therapy, while consistently prioritizing our emotional and physical well-being.
According to the Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH), trauma is a prolonged emotional response stemming from distressing events that can harm one's sense of safety, self, and ability to regulate emotions and navigate relationships. Racial trauma specifically refers to the psychologically damaging effects of racism that many minority groups face on a daily basis. Generational trauma occurs when the psychological wounds of past generations impact subsequent ones, a prevalent and significant issue within the BIPOC population.
Nedra Glover Tawwab aptly pointed out that, “due to generational trauma, some people don’t have elders, they have people in their family who have grown older, but not wiser.” I believe that It is crucial for us to collectively address and heal from these traumas to foster individual and communal growth.
I triumphed over my trauma by adopting a conscientious approach to self-care, with a particular focus on my physical well-being. Embracing long-distance running and maintaining a consistent presence at the gym became integral components of my healing journey.
The act of engaging in physical exercise can be a powerful antidote, as it effectively soothes the nervous system and unleashes endorphins, thereby alleviating the grip of anxiety and depression. Not only will this regimen contribute to a noticeable enhancement in your self-esteem, but it will serve as the impetus for people to confidently confront instances of daily racism and discrimination. Empowered by this newfound strength, you can become your own advocate in the face of adversity.
Vergie truly believes that, our identity is not shaped solely by our past; instead, it is our ability to contextualize and use our past experiences to shape our future that holds the utmost significance.
Achievements & Accomplishments
PhDÂ in Racial Trauma
Carleton University, 2023 - Present
Masters in Social Work
Laurentian University
Bachelor of Social Work
Laurentian University
Bachelor of Social Science
University of Ottawa
