Solidarity, Authenticity and Straw Breathing

Guests: Lisa Foster & Cindy Mazan

Supporting the voice of staff and honouring the realities faced by staff during the pandemic has been so important for agencies to convey support for the important work being done on the front lines. Community Living Thunder Bay Executive Director Lisa Foster spent many years on the front lines before working her way up to Executive Director. Lisa knows how important it is for leadership to be transparent, and share in the staff journey during the challenges of the pandemic. Knowing staff rights are important, Lisa brought Community Living Thunder Bay Union President Cindy Mazan along for the chat. Together, in solidarity, Lisa and Cindy have been working to support staff during these challenging times. Cindy speaks about an initiative to provide extra financial support to front line staff who needed some extra support, in the form of much needed groceries- no questions asked. Lisa talks about the impact of trauma on people, and the power of polyvagal theory. The episode closes off with a meditation practice using a straw to help our vagus nerve relax the body, giving us chance to soften and relax.

About Cindy and Lisa

Cindy Mazan started working at Community Living Thunder Bay in 1994 and is currently the President of Opseu local 740. Cindy is married with 2 boys and enjoys camping, fishing and working out.

Lisa Foster has worked in the sector since 1985. She has worked in a variety of direct support and management roles before moving to Thunder Bay to join Community Living Thunder Bay in 2013. Lisa enjoys painting, hiking and photography.