MCA WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Community & Social Services includes Akwesasne Child & Family Services, the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program, the Community Support Program, and the Ionkwanonhsasetsi Adolescent Treatment Centre.

 

“I would like to welcome Karen Hill to our community and look forward to having her expertise in child welfare,” said MCA Executive Director Heather Phillips. “We are hopeful she can lead the department in delivering its valuable services while providing transparency and accountability to the community as well.”

 

Ms. Hill has a Master’s degree in Social Work and has been working in senior-level child services for much of her career with extensive experience in policy, legislation, and provincial coordination.

 

“I was excited for this opportunity because it really affords me the chance to work with a full array of service and supports to families and the chance to really engage with caregivers and children in a more wholistic way, to bring about better outcomes,” Ms. Hill said.

 

Throughout her career, Ms. Hill has seen weaknesses and limitations in the field and she is eager to help the community overcome barriers and break down the walls of limitations. She has a priority to ensure coordination and consistency in services and to have a more collective view of the needs of the community.

 

Through experience working with and understanding systems, Ms. Hill hopes to ensure that families have access to everything they need and that the community’s basic needs are met.

 

“It really seemed like my path lead me here…Akwesasne is an exciting and dynamic community and there is just so much potential. I hope I can be value added,” she said.

 

Ms. Hill practices traditional culture and enjoys healthy activities like running a few miles a day and practicing yoga. She has two daughters and one granddaughter.