Dawn Slykhuis, MSW, RSW, ERYT is a passionate and fierce advocate for equality. Grounded in ahimsa (non violence) Dawn has 20+ years working in human services serving those with complex needs, including at the front line level, as well as management positions in non profits and Fraser Health Authority. Additionally, Dawn was a post secondary instructor for 7 years at Douglas College. Most notably, Dawn was chosen as the team leader for the Vancouver Intensive Case Management Team for the Mental Health Commission of Canada's At Home/Chez Soi Project, the world's largest research demonstration project on ending homelessness, which was instrumental in creating Housing First policies in Canada. Dawn's breadth of experience in various types of affordable housing will ensure that conversations surrounding development will serve both the individuals being housed, and the community at large - advocating for Housing First models of affordable housing, rather than congregate housing models which see hundreds of low income individuals in one building as opposed to integrated into the community. Additionally, Dawn will advocate for Indigenous Community Representatives as key stakeholders in development conversations as part of meaningful reconciliation. 

Most recently, Dawn worked as a crisis clinician serving suicidal youth in our community. Dawn has experience working with School District 43, Port Moody Police, Child & Youth Mental Health, and local hospitals to understand the complex needs of youth struggling with mental health issues. With the new Foundry clinic coming to SHARE in Port Moody, City Council will benefit from having Dawn's expertise in youth mental health integrate this new service into our community to best serve youth. 

As a home owner and small business owner in Port Moody, Dawn is highly invested in the future of our community and will bring her passion for social justice and equality, as well as her administrative experience in budgeting, policy development, and leadership to serve the community.

Dawn's strong educational and administrative background, in addition to her commitment to evidence based practices, will ensure that her representation of residents in Port Moody will be thoughtful and driven by community engagement and input, objective evidence based practices, and challenging the status quo for a better community. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, Dawn will continue to authentically and unapologetically advocate for a safer, more inclusive community. 

When not out advocating for the community, Dawn can be found teaching yoga, playing hockey and softball, paddleboarding in the Inlet or Sasamat Lake, exploring local parks and mountains with her dog (and foster dogs!) and seeking out the best vegan donuts in Metro Vancouver.