Russell Sharif

Russell (Russ) Sharif has worked alongside a variety of folks during his social work career, ranging from neurodivergent youth, youth and men experiencing homelessness, withdrawal management facilities, Indigenous families, as well as offering therapy for individuals and couples via private practice. Russ developed a passion for supporting individuals displaced by the justice system and aspires to contribute to the Justice and Health Innovation Research Institute's work. He believes that the ongoing stigmatization, displacement, and punitive nature of the justice system create unique challenges for folks seeking true 'reintegration' or 're-entry'. Russ aims to collaborate with faculty to explore how arts-based interventions (i.e., poetry) can act as meaningful interventions and forms of community-building, and how these variables can subsequently support 'reintegration.'

Areas of Focus

• Neurodivergence
• Homelessness
• Substance use and misuse
• Indigenous and minority populations
• Clinical social work
• Arts-based interventions
• Community building
• Criminal justice

Education

• MSW, 2020, University of Toronto, Social Work
• BA, 2017, York University, Psychology

Selected Funding

• Legacy Scholarship, Florida State University