The Holistic Centre, 4927 51 AV Vegreville, AB T9C-1T9
OUR FOUNDING CEO
Shayla S. Dube - She/ We, MSW, RSW, RCSW
Hello again.
I was named Simangele at birth in Zimbabwe, where I was raised. When I moved to Canada in 2004, I renamed myself Shayla as part of my journey to assimilate into Canadian culture, hoping to increase my chances of getting job interviews—a story many immigrants can relate to.
In an effort to be gender-affirming, I use the pronouns she/her to reflect my assigned cis-gender and endosex identity. The pronouns we/us serve as a reminder that I am not self-made but rather a product of my family, creator, and community.
Identity-wise, I was planted and rooted in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, within the Ndebele tribe. I am my grandparents’ first grandchild, my mother’s first child, my father’s third, an aunt, a sister, a friend, a wife, and a mother to three beautiful humans.
In my work, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals, groups, and organizations on their varied journeys. I embrace diverse identities, cultures, abilities, and ages, offering a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive approach. As a Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in addressing a wide range of traumas—historical, racial, intergenerational, cultural, migratory, institutional, and personal. My practice is rooted in kindness, curiosity, and compassion, honoring the unique stories of those I serve.
Guided by Africentric knowledge, which includes proverbs and storytelling, Ubuntu, and the wisdom of Sankofa, I am deeply passionate about decolonizing mental health practices. I advocate for those navigating systemic barriers, especially racialized communities, including those identified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. I believe in fostering collective liberation and holistic community wellness.
With over 14 years of field experience, I also have the privilege of teaching Africentric Social Work as a sessional instructor and mentoring social workers and psychotherapists as a board-approved clinical supervisor. As a speaker and advocate for Africentric Cultural Safety, race, and racial healing, I am committed to advancing meaningful conversations and contributing to systemic change.
Thank you for being here. As we reflect on our shared journey, I ask you—who are you beyond what you do and what society says you are? I invite you to explore this with me as we honor the past, embrace the present, and co-create a liberated future together.
I look forward to connecting with you and serving you with my team of aligned individuals
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS ADVISOR
Dr Nomazwe Siziba-Sivela (PhD)
Dr. Noma (She/Her/Hers) is the driving force behind the operations, program coordination, and gender mainstreaming at Wellness Empowered. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, she ensures that all of our work is inclusive and engendered, including the content of our workshops.
Dr. Noma’s strengths lie in her exceptional multitasking abilities, organizational skills, and clear communication. Her dedication to providing the best logistical and operational strategies ensures the smooth running of our work.
Her multi-disciplinary knowledge, systems thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making expertise are invaluable assets, making our work more efficient, streamlined, and impactful.