Cofounder
Wellness Coach; Peer Specialist
Co-founder/Peer Specialist
Tonya Evans (Guelph, ON) is a passionate advocate and PWLE (Person with lived expertise) focused on empowering drug users and their communities. With certifications from Peer Support Canada (PSC), Canadian Certified Peer Support Specialist (CACCF), ASIST Training, and Motivational Interviewing-Addictions, she brings over eight years of experience in peer support, harm reduction, and drug policy advocacy.
Work Experience
- Peer Navigator, CMHA Waterloo Wellington
(2017–Present)- Group Facilitation (Walking group, Breathing with the Body, The Tools, Connection Reflection, Just Breathe, Stepping out of the Circle of 12 steps)
- One to One Peer Support
- Community Event Planning
- Board Member, Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs (ONPUD)
(2023-2024) - Peer Specialist, Consumption Treatment Services (CTS), Guelph
(2017–2018) - Contributor/member, National Safer Supply Community of Practice (NSS-COP) (2020-Present)
- Fitness & Wellness Advocate
Over 10 years as a CrossFit coach and fitness trainer, building her own fitness business.
Lived Expertise
- Substance Use & Mental Health Advocate
Personal experience with houselessness, PTSD/mental health, substance use, and interactions with stigmatizing systems (Family & Children’s Services, legal system, financial assistance programs), detox centers, treatment centers
Projects & Advocacy Work
- Drug Poisoning Deaths OP-ED
Collaborated with CMHA writing about policy failures - Rural Harm Reduction Forum
Collaborated with Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy on need for Rural HR - Drug Poisoning Awareness Day
Facilitator – for Overdose Awareness Day 2023 - Love in the Time of Fentanyl
Facilitator/Moderator - Harm Reduction 101 – 3 Part Webinar Series in collaboration with CAPUD (Canadian Association of People who use Drugs)
- ‘Harm Reduction 101’ – 4 part webinar series for City Bi-Law
- ‘The Importance of Language’ – CMHAWW AllStaff 2023
- ‘The Importance of Peers’ webinar-implemented/created/facilitated with Guy Felicella BCSSU
- ‘What is Peer Support?’ University of Waterloo
- National Safer Supply COP – Working Group – Diversion/UDS (Urine Drug Screens)
- Peer Advisory Committee – Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy
- Multi-Disciplinary Toxic and Opioid Drug Symposium – Panelist