The about

LEARN ABOUT NORA ELMI

Hi, I’m Nora Elmi.

one for Connection, Compassion, Empathy and Empowerment.

Hi, everyone! I’m Nora Elmi and I’d like to welcome you on a journey of wellness and community. Before becoming a Registered Social Worker, my entire life I have been passionate about helping people. Growing up as a second-generation Somali Canadian, I faced obstacles because of my identity. I can tell you firsthand I understand the difficulties and struggles that historically marginalized communities face. Being raised in a low-socioeconomic environment by a single mother taught me a lot about navigating the world we live in. Contrary to my upbringing, I’ve always had strong faith in goodness and practiced “mindfulness” before I could even define what that was. My circumstances were hard, but my life was beautiful. With over a decade of experience working for numerous non-profit organizations focused on fostering healthy and resilient individuals, I have the background and knowledge to help others on their journey to wellness. On this platform and through what I do, I want to use my lived experience and education to help others navigate life's difficulties and to remind people that they can develop the skills and confidence to live beautifully.

More than a therapist, I am a public speaker, facilitator and consultant. I provide support around anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relational conflicts, parenting support, and empowerment. I use various therapeutic modalities to support you in your unique wellness journey.

My work also extends to consulting with organizations. Having spent years in non-profit and frontline roles across vulnerable sectors, I know how deeply exposure to vicarious trauma and systemic barriers can impact staff well-being and organizational effectiveness. This lived understanding fuels my passion for supporting those in these positions—whether frontline workers, leaders, or policy-makers; by helping them strengthen resilience, psychological safety, and capacity so they can continue to do this vital work sustainably and effectively.

I am equally committed to educating women from historically marginalized communities to live a life of wellness. I curate intentional spaces to encourage meaningful connection, growth, and empowerment, ensuring that wellness is accessible and affirming for all.

Teaching others to live intentionally, I most definitely practice what I preach. As a daughter, sister, wife, and mother to two busy boys, I take time to enjoy the moments I get in my wellness journey. I enjoy being outdoors in every season with my family, traveling when I can, and spending the majority of my free time reading a good book and sipping on a well-made latte. Cleaning and organizing my space has also been a modest way for me to slow down and enjoy the space I occupy. I thank you for stopping over at my practice and hope that your journey into wellness is a blessed one.

Community awards

  • Midaynta Community Services –Commitment to Women’s Excellence

  • Children Institute of Child Health -Dr. Graham Chance Award

  • Awakening Ottawa – Community Engagement Award

  • United Sisters – Community Engagement Award

  • Ron Larkin Community Leader Scholarship

  • Ontario Principals’ Council Award  

trainings

  • Distress Centre - Active Communication & Empathetic Assertiveness Workshop

  • St. Francis Xavier University: Skills for Social Change

  • Girls Action Foundation/Amplify Training: Train the Trainer

  • Think Kids: Collaborative Problem Solving - Tier 1 Intensive Training

  • Equitas Speaking Rights: Human Rights Education Program for Youth

  • CBT Intensive Trainings for Social Workers

                                                                                              

“My purpose is to help you step into your power and get connected to a community.”

-Nora Elmi

Get connected