Garion
Sparks-Austin
BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Garion Sparks-Austin Social Work Professional Corporation
Director of Co & Associates
Hello!
My name is Garion and I am the Founder of Co & Associates. My journey from birth to where I am today has been filled with joy, challenges and personal growth. I was born somewhere in Seoul, South Korea in the early 80’s and adopted shortly thereafter by my parents.
​
I grew up, followed the path I thought I was supposed to and wound up in a completely different spot than I had ever envisioned. I became a wife, a mother, a divorcee and a survivor.
Most importantly, I have become a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist.
​
I have worked for over 18 years in the social services sector, assisting clients navigate through a variety of issues: mental/emotional health; separation and divorce; parenting issues; substance use/addictions; trauma; domestic violence; self-efficacy & self-esteem; life transitions and redesigning their lives.
​
Through my personal and professional experiences, I have developed strong clinical skills with a trauma lens, working from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice perspective.
​
My work is client led and casual while engaging in a mutual dialogue. Working together means we will have raw, genuine and deliberate engagement.
​
I want to normalize an ongoing dialogue regarding emotional health and to help make emotional health check-ins a regular habit. This reduces the somewhat invisible isolation that presides and creates safety in vulnerability, discovery and self-development.
​
I have always been passionate about helping others, building community and creating a safe space for connection and engagement.
​
I look forward to working with you.
Credentials
​
Bachelor of Social Work, Ryerson University
​
Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
​
Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Canadian Association of Social Workers
​
Level One: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Wilfred Laurier University