Distress Centre Calgary Knowledge Hub
The DCC K-Hub is a partnership between UofC and Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) aimed at improving crisis response services. It focuses on creating person-centered, impactful, and relational solutions through an inclusive and culturally relevant service model.
This project seeks to collaborate with DCC in enhancing its crisis response services by making them more person-centered, impactful, and cost-effective. Together, we will innovate and co-create an inclusive, culturally relevant service model that better meets the diverse needs of our community. Our focus will be on strengthening DCC’s internal capacity through a shared, multisectoral approach. By embracing innovative strategies, we will establish 24/7 access points, phone lines, and text-based support, building a user-informed crisis and navigation pathway that drives better outcomes and reflects our collective vision.
What is a Knowledge Hub?
Knowledge Hubs are networks dedicated to sharing development experiences globally. They connect communities, users, stakeholders and academics/researchers to explore, expand, and collaborate, fostering innovation and advancing knowledge and practice through shared wisdom and expertise.
Our Goals and Objectives
Quality Crisis Response: DCC utilizes advanced data collection tools, processes, and protocols to deliver high-quality, person-centered crisis response services.
Skilled Responders: Our team is equipped with the competencies and skills needed to provide high-quality, person-centered crisis response services, addressing a range of complex needs.
Capacity Building: We invest in continuous capacity-building for our responders to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver exceptional person-centered crisis response services.
Community Coordination: Distress Centre Calgary plays a crucial role in coordinating with diverse community partners to offer integrated and effective crisis response services.
Intersectionality: Working to ensure culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed support by addressing the unique needs of individuals with diverse identities.
Partnerships: Fostering meaningful partnerships with individuals and agencies that are well-versed in all the areas that want to be addressed.
Our Conferences
Meet Our K-Hub Team!
Monica Sesma Vazquez, Ph.D., RSW, RMFT-SM and Assistant Professor. Monica is the Director at the DCC Knowledge Hub, leading research on suicide crisis response and LGBTQIA2S+ practices, with 20+ years in the mental health field.
Tara Collins, Ph.D., Research Project Coordinator. Tara earned her PhD in Social Work from UofC in 2022. With 20+ years of experience, she now coordinates research on Inuit communities and leads various project activities.
Melissa Mostert, B.Ed., MSW Candidate, Research Assistant. Melissa joined the Research Hub as a practicum student, conducting reviews and analysis on crisis support for 2SLGBTQIA+ and diverse communities. She also coordinates TFEL research on neurodivergent students.
A practicing social worker since 2009, Karen supports the team conducting interviews, analyzing data and revising the training manual to embody a trauma-informed approach.
Nasiha Fazal, BA Urban Studies, Research Assistant. Nasiha has over two years of experience at the DCC and is currently a Call Diversion Navigation Specialist at 211 Alberta. Nasiha is also a Professional Development Assistant with the Faculty of Social Work.
Nathanael Hammond, a PhD student in Economics at UofC, holds a Master’s from UofS. His research on labor economics and inequality includes workplace homophily and improving cost-effectiveness at DCC.
Elsie Anokwa, a second-year MSW student at the University of Calgary, holds a psychology bachelor's from the University of Ghana and began social work in 2005.
Kendra Neeb, BSW, MSW Candidate, Research Assistant, joined the Research Hub as a practicum student, with 10 years' experience in crisis and gender-based support.
Tristan McSwiney, BSc, MSW Candidate, is completing his Master of Social Work practicum with the Research Hub and has been with CMHA–Edmonton since 2016.
Mackenzie Jagersma