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Sophie Yohani is a Psychologist and Professor of Counselling Psychology in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. She is also a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologist and Canadian Registry of Health Service Psychologists.
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Community Event for the National Day of Truth and Reconcilliation. A collaboration with partner, Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative (Not for profit, Canadian organization). Event included a presentation by Indigenous former student and mental health practitioner (Maskwacis Health Services, Alberta) followed by a facilitated conversation led by Sophie Yohani (approx. 70 participants).TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Activity 2024-09-30 TRS1 1.2.3 Food security and mental health nexus: The experiences of high-risk immigrant youth in Canada TRS1 1.2.1 University of Alberta, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia Conference 2025-05-08 Odhiambo, S. ,
Akateh, D. ,
Wong, J. ,
Yohani, S. ,
Saewyc, E. ,
Onyango, E. TRS1 1.2.1 Fostering Culturally Responsive Research Practices: Engaging Black Communities in Western Canada Background Engaging Black communities in research requires culturally responsive methods to address systemic barriers such as mistrust, systemic racism, and underrepresentation. This study explores strategies to foster meaningful research engagement with Black communities in Western Canada, guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) and critical race theory (CRT). Methods A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 researchers experienced in Black health research in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Participants were selected through a scoping review and professional networks. Interviews explored strategies for culturally responsive engagement and were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. The analysis was informed by CBPR and CRT, emphasizing community involvement, intersectionality, and addressing systemic barriers. Results Five key themes emerged: (1) choosing culturally aligned research methodologies, (2) involving Black communities in research roles, (3) considerations for culturally safe data generation, (4) engaging communities in data analysis, and (5) innovative approaches to knowledge mobilization. The study advances qualitative research by providing a framework for culturally responsive approaches that emphasize trust-building, prolonged engagement, and tailoring research to reflect cultural nuances and community priorities. However, the study reflects on its reliance on researcher perspectives rather than direct community input, highlighting the need for greater community involvement in future research. Conclusion This study provides actionable insights into culturally appropriate research practices with Black communities in Western Canada. By emphasizing community involvement, cultural responsiveness, and innovative knowledge dissemination, the findings offer a framework to enhance equity and inclusivity in research. The study underscores the importance of aligning research practices with CBPR and CRT principles and calls for greater institutional support for culturally responsive approaches. University of Alberta Publication 2025-04-01 Bukola Salami,
Yohani, S. , Dominic A Alaazi, Aloysius Nwabugo Maduforo, and Mia Tulli-Shah
Culturally Responsive Approaches to Health Research with Black Canadians: Challenges and Strategies University of Alberta Publication 2024-09-20 Syrian refugees in Canada: a qualitative report of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial adaptation Purpose Since March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding preexisting and systemic health, social and economic inequities. In Canada, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived between 2015 and 2020 and were in the process of rebuilding their lives when the pandemic started. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identify supports needed. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on frameworks for refugee psychosocial adaptation and social integration and a qualitative descriptive design, the study used thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with 10 Syrians. Findings Findings indicated four themes that provide a snapshot of impacts relatively early in the pandemic: facing ongoing development, inequity and insecurity during integration; disruption of settlement, integration and adaptation due to the pandemic; ongoing adaptation and resilience during integration in Canada; and ongoing needs and solutions for integration and adaptation. Originality/value This study builds upon growing research concerning Syrian refugees and psychosocial adaptation, particularly during the pandemic. The findings highlight the impacts of the pandemic on a population already facing inequities in a resettlement country. While the findings emphasize the resilience of the Syrian refugee community, the study also demonstrates the need for ongoing supports and justice-oriented action to fulfill resettlement commitments, especially in the face of additional stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for policy, practice and future research are discussed. University of Alberta Publication 2024-09-13 C.L. Devereux,
Yohani, S. , Mélissa Tremblay, Joud Nour Eddin
“The Children Are Not Controllable Because They Follow Western Values” - Narratives of the Parenting Experiences of African Immigrants in Alberta, Canada University of Alberta Publication 2024-04-22 Neelam Saleem Punjani, Philomina Okeke‐Ihejirika, Bukola Salami,
Yohani, S. , Mary Olukotun
Mental Health of Immigrant Children and Adolescents (6–17 Years) in Canada: Evidence from the Canadian Health Measures Survey Studies indicate a higher prevalence of mental health problems among immigrants, but findings on immigrant children and adolescents are mixed. We sought to understand the magnitude of differences in mental health indicators between immigrant and non-immigrant children and adolescents in Canada and the influence of age, sex, household income, and household education.We completed a secondary analysis of data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, using a pooled estimate method to combine data from four survey cycles. A weighted logistic regression was used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.We found an association between the mental health of immigrant versus non-immigrant children and adolescents (6-17 years) as it relates to emotional problems and hyperactivity. Immigrant children and adolescents had better outcomes with respect to emotional problems and hyperactivity/inattention compared to non-immigrant children and adolescents. Lower household socioeconomic status was associated with poorer mental health in children and adolescents.No significant differences in overall mental health status were evident between immigrant and non-immigrant children and adolescents in Canada but differences exist in emotional problems and hyperactivity. Sex has an influence on immigrant child mental health that varies depending on the specific mental health indicator. University of Alberta Publication 2023-10-30 Oluwabukola Oladunni Salami, Maryna Yaskina, Katholiki Georgiades, Esperanza Díaz, Kathleen Hegadoren,
Meherali, S. ,
Yohani, S. , Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan
African migrant children’s mental health: A scoping review University of Alberta Publication 2023-10-13 Yohani, S. , Bukola Salami, Mischa Taylor, Enid Bukambu, Nazish Pachani, Christa Fouche, Jill Thompson, Helen Vallianatos
Key features of culturally inclusive, -affirming and contextually relevant mental health care and healing practices with Black Canadians: A scoping review. TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Publication 2025-10-23 TRS1 1.2.3 CCE Symposium on Sound, Music and Healing TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Event 2025-03-02 TRS1 1.2.3 Critical Social Justice in Psychology Conference (CCSJP) TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-05-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Critical Social Justice in Psychology Conference (CCSJP) TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-05-01 Yohani, S. , Shaima Ahammed Thayyilayil, Janna Mulholland, Reine
TRS1 1.2.3 Critical Social Justice in Psychology Conference (CCSJP) TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-05-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Critical Social Justice in Psychology Conference (CCSJP) TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-05-01 Shaima Ahammed Thayyilayil, Jakkapan Karnjanavijaya, Mary Etem Mbiatem,
Yohani, S. TRS1 1.2.3 African Child and Youth Migrant Network Conference on Sustainable Development Goals TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-06-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Understanding Cultural Brokers’ Experience when Engaging Immigrant Families in Child Intervention Services. TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-06-01 TRS1 1.2.3 African Child and Youth Migrant Network Conference on Sustainable Development Goals TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-06-01 TRS1 1.2.3 “Reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Calls to Action and Responses by Immigrant and Newcomer Communities.” TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Event 2025-09-30 TRS1 1.2.3 Canadian Ethnic Studies Association Conference TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2024-11-01 Yohani, S. , Philomena Okeke-ihejirika, Joseph Mensah
TRS1 1.2.3 “Black Continental African Immigration in Canada: In Search of Cohesive Historical Phases.” TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2024-11-01 Joseph Mensah,
Yohani, S. , Philomena Okeke-ihejirika
TRS1 1.2.3 Mental Health Equity Through Collaborative Discovery & Collective Action: A Collaborative Learning and Training Symposium TRS1 1.2.1, TRS1 1.2.3 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Alberta Conference 2025-10-18 TRS1 1.2.1, TRS1 1.2.3 Culturally adapted mental health education programs for migrant populations: A scoping review. TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta, Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2026-01-05 TRS1 1.2.3 A scoping review of refugee children’s health conditions, outcomes and measures used in refugee-serving public health centres/clinics in Canada. TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Publication 2026-01-09 Botwe, A.A., Armoush, N.,, Poth, C.,,
Yohani, S. , Gokiert, R.
TRS1 1.2.3 Reducing barriers and enhancing outcomes for refugee children in Canada. e-poster TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Publication 2025-12-06 Botwe, A., Haight, J, Gokiert, R., Poth, C.,
Yohani, S. , Velasquez, A.
TRS1 1.2.3 A framework for collective healing in cultural brokering practice TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2026-02-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Memory Keepers Association, Rwandan Community in Canada TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Partnership 2023-10-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Partnership 2023-10-01 TRS1 1.2.3 Community Co-Design: Intervention to Promote Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Reduction in Black Families and Communities TMU team has submitted an REB application, and received approval in February 2026.TRS1 1.2.7 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Alberta Research Activity 2026-04-14 Adu, J. ,
Boakye, P. ,
Wong, J. ,
Yohani, S. ,
Onyango, E. , Carla Carla Hilario
TRS1 1.2.7 Infusing mental wellness, hope, and resilience in the academy: Applying Utu/Ubuntu in collaborative approaches to community-engaged praxis TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Publication 2026-04-15 TRS1 1.2.3 Building bridges to healing: Trauma-informed practices for supporting newcomers TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2025-11-25 Sandra Dixon,
Yohani, S. , Sholly Scarlett, Sophia Parks
TRS1 1.2.3 An Intersectional Lens on the Experiences of Black Youth Seeking STEMM Careers TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta Conference 2026-01-27 TRS1 1.2.3 Mental Health Equity Through Collaborative Discovery & Collective Action: A Collaborative Learning and Training Symposium TRS1 1.2.3 University of Alberta, Toronto Metropolitan University Event 2025-10-18 TRS1 1.2.3 Black Child and Youth Wellbeing Conference TRS1 1.1.13 University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Toronto Metropolitan University, Other Conference 2026-04-20 Akateh, D. ,
Onyango, E. ,
Odhiambo, S. ,
Saewyc, E. ,
Wong, J. ,
Yohani, S. ,
Owuor, P. TRS1 1.1.13
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