Dianna Bussey
Prairies and Northern Territories Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Advocate
Dianna is a social worker within the Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services – Winnipeg currently serving as the executive director. She became aware and involved in anti oppression and restorative justice work early in her career through her education at Booth University College and then keenly aware of exploitation through journeying with individuals who have been exploited; work with the exploiters; families; and work with colleagues of the agencies and systems that respond to exploitation. This made her passionate about fighting to end modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms.
Exploitation through modern slavery and human trafficking happens across the Prairie Division. Dianna envision The Salvation Army’s mission statement being lived out by being able to pivot and respond seamlessly to prevent, address and support those affected by modern slavery through a collaborative and well communicated strategy inspired by our mission.
Things Dianna loves – being outdoors with her husband seeking the best picnic spots, gardening, skiing, and anything that has her moving fast 😊. She is most at peace when experiencing Micah 6:8.
Stephen Moorgen
Saskatchewan Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) Response Facilitator - Prairies and Northern Territories Division
Stephen is a father who has three biological sons as well as two foster children that he is raising. He worked previously in law enforcement for thirteen years, in labor and employment relations, investigations of harassment as well as workplace suicide as a result of harassment and discrimination. In addition, Stephen had considerable experience working with issues related to forced labour practices within the province. Most recently, he taught at a post-secondary institution. Oh yeah - Stephen also pastored for a few years as well.
One of his favorite verses in the Bible is James 1:27 "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to allow the world to corrupt you". This is his reason and passion for the work that he has committed to. Stephen wants to stand up and give voice to those that don't yet have a voice.
Coming aboard, from an outside perspective, brings a unique opportunity to look at programs that exist, or need to be created, to address gaps between services. He has been working with The Salvation Army to address these gaps and create resource for all affected by this issue and drawing upon his past networks to help deal with this issue with a cross collaborative approach.
Mikhaila Tao
Woven: Program Director – Ontario Division
Woven is weekly faith-based empowerment program and MSHT prevention program for teenage girls who could be considered ‘at-risk’ in North York, Ontario. Mikhaila launched Woven two years ago and has since been developing the program and building relationships with girls in the community. She is passionate about the power of mentor relationships in MSHT prevention work and finds great joy in seeing teenage girls championed, supported, and thriving.
When she’s not program planning or taking the Woven girls out for Starbucks, Mikhaila enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors, and finding the best spots to eat in Toronto. They are looking forward to welcoming their first baby into the world this July!
Mercy Lilian Gichuki- MPH, Ph.D. (C)
Program Manager Salvation Army Family Life Resource Centre Shelter, Global Health, McMaster – Ontario Division
Mercy Lilian is currently a Program Manager at one of Salvation Army’s violence against women shelters (Family Life Resource Centre) in Brampton, Ontario. Her professional journey spans both VAW and public health, collaborating with diverse groups. Mercy Lilian is also dedicated to her doctoral studies in the Global Health Program at McMaster University in Canada. As a scholar affiliated with the Stronger Futures Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) at Murdoch Children’s Institute Australia, she brings a unique perspective to her work and research. Her PhD focuses on the health of African, Caribbean, and Black women (ACB), specifically emphasizing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and intergenerational trauma.
Mercy Lilian approaches her work with a commitment to decolonizing practices and a trauma-aware, integrated feminist lens. This approach reflects her profound understanding of the intersecting challenges women face.
Beyond her academic and professional commitments, Mercy Lilian continues to inform the broader dialogue on issues affecting women's well-being.
Suzanne Rey
Program Coordinator at L’Abri d’espoir - Atlantic Division
Suzanne has a bachelor's degree in sociology with a major in gender and sexuality studies from Concordia University as well as a Diplômes d'études supérieures spécialisées (French graduate program) from the Université de Montréal in social administration. She has worked in the community for over 10 years with a wide range of people, particularly in prevention and support. In particular, her scope includes early childhood, youth and families through foster care, community work and intersectoral outreach. She is committed to the prevention of child sexual exploitation and the promotion of egalitarian relationships.
Suzanne believes that even as we keep up with social movements and technological advances, we must maintain close ties with experts and collaborate within our communities, fostering hope and action by continually educating ourselves on the best ways to protect our children as we adapt to the future.
Melody Watson
Executive Director for Peel Shelters and Housing Services - Ontario Division
Melody’s journey began in The Salvation Army, raised by parents who were dedicated Officers in social services, particularly aiding the homeless. Since joining The Salvation Army in 1991, Melody has passionately followed her parents' footsteps, committing 33 years to serving communities and fostering hope. Melody’s extensive experience spans various sectors of social services, including Addictions Treatment, Homelessness/Shelters, Transitional Housing, and support for victims of Violence Against Women and Children, embodying the mission and vision of The Salvation Army.
Currently serving as the Executive Director for Peel Shelters and Housing Services, Melody oversees programs catering to homeless individuals, asylum seekers, medically vulnerable clients, and victims of domestic violence. With an unwavering dedication to aiding the most vulnerable, she believes this work is crucial given the pressing need. Her career epitomizes The Salvation Army's mission, dedicated to uplifting the most vulnerable. Melody operates through trauma-informed and anti-oppressive frameworks, ensuring compassionate, holistic, and effective service delivery to those in need.
