Volunteers

Student Volunteers Needed

We are looking for student volunteers from universities and colleges to join our missing and help build awareness of bullying in academia and the workplace. If you are interested in having a voice in change-making and contributing to solutions that matter, please email psychologicalsafetyfirst@gmail.com.

Examples of the type of work required include:

research
compilation of fact sheets and FAQs
graphic art projects
short videos
marketing
promotion
and more.

Ryan Guenther

In the past 20 years, Ryan has worked in various industries including construction, oil and gas, not-for-profits, and unions. As he ascended into various leadership positions, he collaborated and worked with many leaders and have witnessed firsthand the impacts an ineffective leader has on the overall culture, productivity, and general well being of the staff. Ego-centric, authoritative leaders, who instill fear with their team, while still believing this way of leading is effective, need to come to the realization that times have changed, and that the old school of leading is no longer effective. Not only does this type of leadership in fact reduce productivity, more importantly, it impacts the psychological well being of the team. Ryan had experienced this firsthand, through which he had worked for many ineffective leaders, many of which displayed authoritative leadership styles. During his employment with these ineffective leaders, he had experienced various psychological traumatic episodes whereby he was ineffective at his job, and had lost the trust in his leader. Ryan's message to those leaders who perhaps are unaware of their intentions and impact they have on others; you may think that you are pushing your staff to increase productivity, but in fact you are doing the opposite, you are losing the trust of your employees, creating a psychological hazard in the workplace which some staff may not overcome, as well as reducing productivity in the long run.

There is no doubt in Ryan's mind that the Canadian Institute of Workplace Harassment and Violence can assist organizations in resolving their psychological hazards in hopes of creating a healthy and effective culture that many people would relish to work in.

Catherine Irwin

Catherine Irwin has spent more than three decades serving and protecting others, beginning her career in community social services before dedicating over 30 years to Nuclear Security, Safety, and Diversity at a major Canadian nuclear facility. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to safeguarding people, strengthening safety culture, and teaching others the skills that save lives, including emergency preparedness, First Aid, CPR, and adult learning. She holds a teaching certificate for adult education, extensive health and safety training, and certification through the Joint Health and Safety Committee.

While Catherine loved her work and the purpose behind it, her career unfolded within systems that did not always protect their people. She faced profound barriers, gender discrimination, harassment, bullying, and repeated dismissal of her reports and concerns. Instead of support, she encountered a system unable or unwilling to hear her voice. Over time, the weight of these experiences took a tremendous personal toll. Yet through this adversity, Catherine discovered a new calling.

Her journey has shaped a powerful truth: no one should have to navigate workplace harm alone.

Today, Catherine is driven by a renewed purpose to help others who are experiencing workplace mistreatment, who feel dismissed or unheard, and who are searching for guidance, compassion, and resources in systems that often fail to protect them. Her combined background in nuclear safety, community social services, health and wellness, and adult education uniquely positions her to support individuals facing instability, conflict, or crisis. Catherine also practices Reiki, holding Level I, Level II, and Master certifications. Her practice focuses on supporting emotional balance, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, easing pain, and helping clients restore their energy and sense of inner stability.

With decades of lived experience, professional training, and a deep commitment to helping people, Catherine is now stepping into the work she feels called to do, offering clarity, support, and strength to those trying to survive and heal within broken systems.