FIRST HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Pathways to Lateral Kindness
Building Healthier Workplaces and Communities
First Health Solutions provides Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK) workshops and training for Indigenous communities, organizations, schools, and leadership teams across Canada.
Our adult and youth-focused in-person and virtual workshops help participants strengthen communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and collaboration skills while building healthier workplaces and community relationships.
We also work with schools, service organizations, and teams across public and private sectors to build healthier team dynamics and stronger relationships. In addition, we support community-driven, long-term health and wellness planning that reflects the unique strengths, priorities, and vision of each community or organization.
We look forward to connecting with you to discuss your unique needs and explore the right approach for your team, organization, or community. Browse our workshops and services or reach out today to learn more.
MEET OUR TEAM:
Suzanne Burrows-Paliwoda, B.Comm
Suzanne is an experienced and empathetic facilitator who has worked with more than 30 Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada. Her work focuses on strengthening communication, supporting healthier relationships, and helping teams navigate the shift from Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK).
A skilled communicator, Suzanne brings insight, compassion, and deep respect to the groups she works with. Her approach is grounded in a commitment to creating spaces where participants feel safe, valued, and supported in their learning.
Suzanne leads our Lateral Kindness and Youth Leadership workshops, ensuring the content reflects the needs of the group and honours the strengths and stories of each community or organization.
Carolyn Charleyboy, M.Ed., RCC
A member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation (Tsidedel / Redstone) in the Cariboo region of BC, with 7 years of post-graduate clinical counselling experience, Carolyn brings a uniquely informed Indigenous perspective to her work. Carolyn is trained and certified in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy (IFOT), as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). She completed her education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and currently resides in central BC.
Carolyn is a lead facilitator in our Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK) series of workshops across Canada. She is also a seasoned trainer and certified circle-keeper in areas including ecological trauma, healthy sexuality and diversity, and trauma-informed approaches to mental health issues.
Neil Burrows, RSW
Neil has worked in the field of Health & Social Services for over 35 years and is a Registered Social Worker. After working in Northern Ontario with the Ojibwa Nation, he moved west to Northern BC and since 1996 has worked with the Haida, Tsimshian, Haisla, Tlingit, Tahltan, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Carrier and Chilcotin Nations, providing trauma counselling, training and health program planning.
Neil taught Social Work for several years in the College and University system, is a Registered Mediator and has studied Conflict Resolution at the Graduate level (University of Victoria). He is available to the RCMP on a critical-incident basis and is a frequent guest speaker on issues including trauma, violence and conflict management.
Current projects include health planning, Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK) workshops, critical incident and pandemic-related trauma counselling, and capacity-building initiatives for several First Nation Bands.
SErvices
First Health Solutions offers workshops and training in Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK), Research and Health Planning.
Take THE NEXT STEP
Ready to take the next step? Contact First Health Solutions to discuss a training program or planning initiative that's right for your organization or community.
Thank you to the hosts, organizers and delegates of the Chiefs of Ontario Wellness Conference 2024 and 2025. Suzanne and Carolyn were so warmly welcomed and appreciated meeting delegates and attending so many interesting sessions. Their own Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness (LV2LK) sessions were full, and the feedback was very positive. We hope to see you all again in 2026, and please reach out if you’re interested in having a workshop in your community.