Our Team

Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy, PhD

Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M'Carthy is a Full Professor in the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. He holds both a Master’s and a PhD in Social Work from Columbia University in New York and the University of Toronto in Ontario, respectively.

With extensive policy, teaching, and research experience, Dr. Mfoafo-M’Carthy has made significant contributions to both academic and community-based work. He previously served as the Associate Director of Laurier’s Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa (TISCA) and was a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow at the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

His career includes a strong focus on adolescent and adult community-based mental health, having worked in various organizations across New York City, British Columbia, and Ontario, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. Additionally, he has taught at both the University of Toronto and the University of Windsor.

Dr. Mfoafo-M’Carthy’s research interests are broad and impactful, with a focus on global mental health, disability and mental illness stigma among immigrant communities, post-colonial and critical race theories, and social justice and anti-oppressive practice. He is engaged in multiple collaborative projects in Canada, Ghana, and other parts of the world, advancing community-based research and development in health and well-being.

Ali Diebold

Over the last decade, I have partnered with numerous public sector and human service organizations to design and implement health and justice initiatives centered on community-based approaches. My professional journey as a clinician, researcher, educator, and project manager, has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of community-driven approaches. Being a member of the Manulife Centre for Community Health Research is a great honour. This role allows me to contribute to interdisciplinary research and community development while supporting communities in creating lives full of meaning and purpose.

My professional and academic journey has been guided by a deep passion for working with youth in the justice and mental health sectors. This led me to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Social Work specializing in community development from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2019, I returned to Wilfrid Laurier University to pursue a PhD in Social Work to focus on creating a program to support survivors of trauma and marginalized communities attain economic wellbeing and financial resilience. My research continues to center on improving health outcomes and social justice through community-based approaches. At the heart of my work is a commitment to nurturing relationships, community development, and strengths-based approaches. I work to create environments that encourage active participation and co-creation of growth and change.

Alacia Tshilombo

Alacia Tshilombo is a Master of Social Work candidate at Wilfrid Laurier University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Specialized Honours) from Lakehead University. As a researcher and advocate, her work examines the educational experiences of African Caribbean Black (ACB) girls in rural Canada, focusing on the intersection of race, gender, and geography in shaping their schooling experiences. She utilizes Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Black Feminist Theory (BFT) to challenge systemic barriers while amplifying youth voices through arts-based methodologies, particularly relational poetry.

With a background in mental health and community-based research, Alacia has worked extensively with marginalized youth, providing direct support and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve access to essential services. As a research assistant, she has contributed to studies on youth homelessness, mental health, and addiction treatment and has presented her work at academic conferences. Her master's thesis will further investigate the barriers and facilitators shaping ACB girls’ educational experiences in rural settings, aiming to inform policy and promote more inclusive educational environments. Driven by a profound commitment to social justice, community engagement, and evidence-based practice, she strives to create spaces that empower young people and bridge gaps in service access through advocacy and research.