Meet Stefy Sotiriadou, Child and Family Social Worker, Winnipeg MFRC
Updated: Jul 27, 2022
The Winnipeg MFRC is pleased to introduce Stefy Sotiriadou to the 17 Wing community.
Stefy has joined our diverse and multi-disciplinary team as our Child and Family Social Worker since May 24, 2022. Her contributions will be invaluable to achieving our mission of developing resiliency by supporting a mission-ready community of strong military families.
Born in Kastoria, North Greece, and raised and educated in Winnipeg, Stefy brings to the table an outstanding credential and breadth of experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba and diplomas in post-traumatic stress disorder awareness and addictions treatment from the Centre of Excellence. More recently, she has acquired training in eating disorder sensitivity for mental health care providers.
The past six years in the social services industry have allowed her to impact the lives of a wide range of clients. They have included high-conflict separation families and those affected by domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. She has also worked with adults and youth experiencing substance abuse, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, gender identity crises, infertility, anxiety, depression, and self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Whether in counselling or therapy sessions with families, parents, couples, single individuals, youth, teens, children, and those with special needs, she strives to create a safe space for all. Her practice has been guided by the principles of safety, respect, and kindness.
Stefy admits being a social worker can be challenging at times. That is why she makes it a point to do what she enjoys, like yoga, meditating, and journaling. She is also the happiest when spending time with her family and friends. As a creative person, she ensures having an outlet for her creative expressions. You can catch her cooking, baking, and appreciating poetry.
Since joining our dedicated team, she has been honoured and grateful for meeting and working with members' families and their loved ones and supporting them in their journey. She admires the resilience of military families.
She said,"Military service brings unique challenges, creating uniquely resilient families. I am amazed by their ability to cope with constant changes and succeed in difficult circumstances."
In her work with us, Stefy's goal has been to help each family thrive by empowering them to build on their individual member's strength or their collective strength as a family unit.
She said, "We all have the knowledge and strength we need to thrive, but we often struggle to cope with various life changes, and that is when seeking support can be very crucial.”
The Winnipeg MFRC can provide that support when it is most needed. We invite members' families and those that are a family to them to take the first step by booking an appointment with Stefy at 204 833 2500 ext. 4056 or stefy.sotiriadou@winnipegmfrc.ca.