top of page
Gorge

CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

I am proud to consider myself a lifelong learner; I aim to never stop learning and exploring.

HBCP Degree

2026

Master of Counselling Psychology

City University, With Honours (3.717 GPA)

2024

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology

Georgian College, With Honours (89.09 GPA)

2020

General Arts and Science Two-Year Diploma

Georgian College, With Honours (92.5 GPA)

2017

General Education Development Diploma

5000700020 - Ontario Dept of Education (97 GPA)

Image by Sergey Pesterev

Education breeds confidence.
Confidence breeds hope.
Hope breeds peace.

Confucius

In the forest

Employment

Crisis Support Worker

2024 - Present, Green Haven Shelter for Women

  • Respond to individuals in crisis using advanced interpersonal skills, including debriefing, active listening, conflict resolution, and problem solving.

  • Provide one-on-one support for residents, incorporating a trauma-informed, women-centered, culturally sensitive, and strengths-based approach.

  • Plan, develop and implement individualized programming and long-term goals within a client-centered environment.

  • Employ harm reduction strategies to support individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

GCSA President

2022 - 2024, Georgian College

  • Directed and supervise the affairs of the Georgian College Students’ Association.

  • Assisted with the coordination, planning and delivery of Orientation and Shinerama.

  • Supported with Elections, and ensured the proper Election Procedures were followed.

  • Attended regular meetings with the SLM and the Campus Dean to share and discuss student issues and upcoming events. Ensured group cohesiveness and team work within the Executive. Acted as a liaison to College/Campus Administration and Senior Managers.

  • Addressed all ideas, concerns, and complaints from the students in a prompt, professional and courteous manner.

Learning Skills Assistant

2019 - 2024, Georgian College

  • Provided writing assistance using a coaching or non-directive approach

  • Assisted students with essay writing and APA in-person and online.

  • Was responsible for providing valuable feedback on student essays in regards to student questions, concerns, or areas of need.

  • Provided APA, grammar, writing style, and academic writing feedback and refer students to resources, departments, or faculty when applicable.

MHWB Champion

2022 - 2023, Georgian College

  • Organized weekly programing and work in collaboration with Mental Health and Wellbeing Navigators.

  • Planned mindfulness activities to lead in Orillia by incorporating Mindfulness Without Borders and Mindful@Work curriculum.

GCSA VP Equity & Inclusion

2021 - 2022, Georgian College

  • Developed and procure collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders to create and deliver educational information, workshops and events that help to raise awareness of social justice, equity and diversity among Georgian College and the Orillia community.

  • Represented the interests of students on marginalized and disenfranchised college and community initiatives including assisting students in advocating for their rights.

  • Coordinated various equitable events such as pride week.

Personal Support Worker

2017 - 2018, Home Instead

  • Supervised older adult patients and prevented accidental self-harm by being observant as well as aiding them in accomplishing all necessary daily tasks.

  • Practiced safe hygienic procedures to ensure good health and decrease risks of infections.

  • Completed household chores with intent to facilitate the removal of obstructions for all patients.

Lego Leader

2014 - 2015, Creative Club Inc.

  • Supervised children aged 5-12 within groups of 15-30+ throughout their lunch/afterschool periods.

  • Prepared creative lesson plans which assured the engagement and interest of the children.

  • Established a safe, equitable, and entertaining environment that was child-centric. Provided updated information and enquiry responses to parents and teachers.

  • Implemented conflict resolution techniques when necessary.

Other Experiences

2014 - 2019, Unrelated to Psychology

  • Assistant Chef Santinos and Bacio Trattoria​

  • Licenced Life Insurance Agent - Primerica​

  • General Labor - GMC​

  • Construction Worker - Lisi Mechanical Inc.​

  • Cashier and Food Handler - Freshii

Academic & Practical Experience

Calm Sea

Certifcations

2024

Dare to Care ... Care for those working in VAW and VAC fields

Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI)

2024

WHIMS 2015

Worksite Safety

2024

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)

Worksite Safety

2024

Foundations of VAW Practice

Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH)

2023

Mental Health First Aid Standard

Mental Health Commission of Canada

2023

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Prevention

Georgian College

2023

Be There Certificate

Jack.org

2023

Step Up Bystander Training

Georgian College

2022

Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level BLS (HCP)

Action First Aid

2022

Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE)

Panel on Research Ethics

2022

Mindfulness Ambassador Program Facilitator

Global Minds Collective (previously Mindfulness Without Borders)

2022

Brain Story Certification

Palix Foundation Alberta Family Wellness Initiative

2021

Changemaker: Leadership and Teamwork Badges

Georgian College

2021

2SLGBTQIA+ Safer Spaces Training

Gilbert Center

2021

Reiki Level One, Two and Three

The Soul Sanctuary

2021

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

LivingWorks

2021

International Tutor Training - Level One

College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)

2021

Reconciliation Education Certificate

First Nations University of Canada

2021

Start

LivingWorks

2021

Crash Course on Python

Google

IT Essentials

Cisco

2021

2018

A+ Certification (901 & 902)

CompTIA

2018

Service Analyst Program

NPower Canada

Awards

Screenshot 2024-12-04 172622.png

Tutor of the Year Award

2024

Presented with a Tutor of the Year Award following five years of tutoring services providing students APA and writing support. Received heartfelt recognition from the Library and Academic Success and Writing Center departments at Georgian College.

14334_edited_edited.jpg

VIP Award

2023

Presented to a member of the Georgian College Students’ Association whose time and effort was donated with great appreciation. Received multiple nominations from students, staff and faculty. 

Screenshot 2023-12-09 104158_edited_edit

Tutor of The Year Nomination

2022

Nominated for Tutor of the Year Award distributed by the Writing Center within the Georgian College Library. Votes were submitted by students that had utilized our tutoring services.

f3923c15-cd7e-4bb1-8948-7b06f6ccecd6_edi

Italian Award

2008

Issued this award in elementary school during graduation from Blessed Margherita Cita di Castello. Spoke fluent Italian and received the highest grades in Italian classes throughout the years. 

IMG_3053_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Villari's Shaolin Challenge Spirit Award

2007

Awarded by Villari's Mixed Martial Arts in Toronto. Practiced Shaolin Kempo Karate and competed in sparring and kata at a yellow-belt level. Utilized the Five Animal Kenpo.

Volunteering

Image by Shane Rounce

Speaking Engagements

  • Presented as Guest Panelist for the Georgian College Dual Credit event multiple times.

  • Was a facilitator speaking on behalf of the Library and Academic Success Center for virtual events.

  • Participated as a guest panelist or co-facilitator in many events such as RISE (Research, Innovation, Scholarship and Entrepreneurship).

Extra Curriculars

  • Partook in the Changemaker Micro Certificate soft launch and pilot program.

  • Vice President of the Georgian College Debating Society for one year.

  • President and creator of the Georgian College Psychology Club.

  • Previous Program Representative on the Georgian College Student Academic Engagement Council.

  • Co-Chair and co-founder of the Georgian College Student EDIB Committee.

  • Nominated member of the Academy for Youth Allyship Design Team presented by Ashoka Canada.

  • Appointed as a Student Volunteer member in the Georgian College Research Ethics Board.

Community Involvement

  • Chief Financial Officer and Official Agent for Innisfil-Barrie New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Aleesha Gostkowski from July 2021 to April 2022.

Dark Wood Texture

Book with Sarah

Available virtually and in-person in Barrie, ON

May you be happy
May you be healthy
May you be at peace
Loving Kindness Meditation (DBT)

Sarah Ortiz

Psychotherapy

© Sarah Ortiz 2026 All Rights Reserved

I acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional lands of the Anishnaabeg people.

image.png
image.png
This practice is not a crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent support, local emergency services (911) or crisis lines (988) are better equipped to help.
Sarah Ortiz Logo Transparent Large_edited.jpg
bottom of page