Sarah Pineda

Sarah Pineda (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker and the Founder of Nutunal Wellness, a private practice rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and wholistic approaches to healing. She holds a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Indigenous Field of Study from Wilfrid Laurier University, alongside a Bachelor of Social Work and additional training in public relations and youth work. Sarah is a proud Nawa/Spanish woman who integrates over a decade of clinical and frontline experience with deep cultural knowledge passed down through her family and Elders across the Americas.

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Sarah brings a compassionate, grounded presence to her work with individuals and communities. Her therapeutic practice supports people navigating complex trauma, intergenerational wounds, burnout, and life transitions. She draws on a diverse bundle of approaches including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), somatic techniques, mindfulness, narrative therapy, strength-based counselling, and traditional Indigenous teachings. Sarah’s work is also shaped by mentorship from respected knowledge keepers such as Tina Armstrong (Bearskin Lake First Nation), Collin Mousseau (Anishinaabe), Wally Wapachee (Cree Nation), and Tat Bartolo Alvarez (Mayan K’iche’).

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Through Nutunal Wellness, Sarah provides individual counselling, clinical consultation, and culturally grounded facilitation for frontline workers, educators, and organizations. She is an approved NIHB provider and a TELUS Health e-mental health partner, offering accessible virtual therapy across Ontario and beyond.

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Sarah believes in honouring the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and community. She supports her clients in returning to themselves—through gentle reconnection with land, identity, and inner wisdom. Her practice is especially focused on creating safer spaces for Indigenous, racialized, and spiritually rooted clients.

When not working, Sarah finds balance through ceremony, time in nature with her children, and creative expression. Her work, life, and advocacy are all rooted in a vision of collective healing, cultural reclamation, and a future where all people feel seen, heard, and whole.

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Education: ​

• Wilfrid Laurier University – Master of Social Work: Indigenous Field of Study (2024)

• Wilfrid Laurier University – Bachelor of Social Work (Hons.) (2018)

• Mohawk College – Child and Youth Worker Advanced Diploma (2014) 

• Humber College – Public Relations Postgraduate Certificate (2019)

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Clinical Training & Certifications:

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

• Six Nations Polytechnic’s Peacebuilding Workshop Series

• Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Training

• Mental Health First Aid

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Human Trafficking Certification

• Diversity and Equity Training

• Reiki – First Degree Level One

• LGBTQ2 & Safe Spaces Training

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Work Experience

Restorative Justice Worker

Six Nations Social Justice Department

(October 2021 – May 2022)

Anti-Human Trafficking Counsellor  Covenant House Toronto

(November 2018 – November 2021)

Mental Health & Addiction Crisis Counsellor – St. Leonard’s Community Services

(April 2016 – October 2017)

Provided trauma-informed, client-centered care to survivors of trafficking, focusing on mental health, substance use, and emotional recovery. Led safety planning and crisis intervention, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to connect residents with healthcare, legal aid, housing, and education/employment services. Advocated for long-term independence through strength-based counselling and holistic support.

Provided therapeutic support for children and youth facing mental health challenges, , and crisis situations. Utilized Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed approaches to promote emotional regulation and resilience. Designed and led life skills programs to empower youth.