Rafiah Shaikh

Wellness Navigator @Community Development Council Durham

Ajax, ON, CA

In my role as a Wellness Navigator at CDCD, I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive support to newcomers and equity-deserving individuals navigating mental health, wellness, and social service systems. I conduct holistic intake assessments, co-create personalized wellness plans, and facilitate one-on-one and group-based wellness sessions focused on mental, emotional, and systemic wellbeing.My work involves planning and delivering workshops, wellness check-ins, and community presentations tailored to youth, seniors, women, and families. I collaborate with internal teams and external partners—such as healthcare providers, LGBTQIA+ organizations, and cultural advocacy groups—to ensure seamless service navigation and promote inclusive, equitable access to essential supports.I also develop multilingual outreach materials, organize culturally relevant wellness events, train volunteers, and maintain accurate, confidential client records. Through continuous learning and policy engagement, I help advocate for inclusive programming and address service gaps across the Durham Region.