New Community Services Advisor and Veteran Family Program Coordinator in a familiar journey: Shelley Dykeman joins the Winnipeg MFRC

The Winnipeg MFRC is pleased to introduce Shelley Dykeman to the 17 Wing community as its new Community Services Advisor and Veteran Family Program Coordinator. This position provides services and supports to military members and their families who experience deployment, as well as to veterans and new recruits and their respective families.

With a strong background in mental health and a lifetime immersed in military culture, Shelley brings a unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience to this role. Her professional background includes three years in the mental health field, backed by training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for PTSD, Emotional Freedom Technique Therapy, Non-Crisis Intervention, and Indigenous Studies. She has also recently worked in a behavioural health institution and a women's centre, always client-facing and maintaining a client-centred approach.

"Having been part of a military family my whole life, I bring a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to this role," she states. "I know firsthand the lifestyle challenges that military families face, whether they are just starting, currently serving, or transitioning out of service," she adds.

In this role, she supports clients at various stages of deployment, a process she knows well. As a military spouse with a military brother, she is familiar with both short-term and long-term deployments. She understands the emotional toll of absences and the resilience required to parent solo or be separated from loved ones during these times. Before this role, she worked as a Deployment Family Navigator at the Toronto MFRC, which further solidified her expertise in providing support to families during deployments.

Coming from a multi-generational military background—her grandfather, father, and mother-in-law all served—she has a strong connection to the veteran community and a deep understanding of the support that veterans and their families need to succeed. As our Veteran Family Program Coordinator, she is poised to make a positive impact on their lives.

Originally from Halifax, Shelley has lived across Canada and abroad due to numerous postings since childhood, but Winnipeg holds a special place in her heart. This marks their third posting in the city, and she is eager to reconnect with the community.

One of her goals in this role is to build connections with local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and engage with the families of new recruits. She strongly believes in the power of community connection."Don't be afraid to take the first step to reach out for help," she advises her future clients. "There are many support systems in place in the community, and we are here to help one another," she emphasises.

Outside of work, Shelley runs a wellness tea business and enjoys art, as well as spending time with her spouse, three children, and three cats.

She considers it a significant achievement to work in a field she is passionate about and to give back to the military community through this position.

The Winnipeg MFRC team is thrilled to welcome Shelley and looks forward to the insight, compassion, and energy she will bring to our community.

To find out more about the MFRC supports and services for deployment, veteran, and new recruit families, please contact Shelley by emailing shelley.dykeman@winnipegmfrc.ca or calling 204-833-2500 ext. 257 4507

.------------Marilyn CamaclangMarketing and Communications OfficerWinnipeg MFRC