Our Staff

Joanne Silva

Joanne holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology with a minor in Women’s Studies. Inspired by the knowledge gained during her studies, she pursued a Master of Arts in Sociology, focusing on police perceptions of sex trafficking and challenges to prosecution. During this time, she worked as a teaching assistant for first‐year students, volunteered with a non‐profit organization, and participated in various research projects and internships.

Passionate about lifelong learning and its role in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion, Joanne earned a Bachelor of Education. She currently works as a supply educator with her local school board and has recently joined the YWCA Muskoka team as the Gender‐Based Violence Prevention Research Lead. In this role, she is eager to contribute to programming grounded in best practices that supports and empowers youth.

In her free time, Joanne finds joy in connecting with nature, travelling, reading, and cooking for her loved ones.