Cas Star

Cas Star is the Lead Research Assistant for the Ottawa site’s Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) with Making the Shift: Youth Homelessness Demonstration Lab (MtS DEMS). They hold a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Psychology from Carleton University as well as a certificate in Case Management from McMaster University. Research has always been Cas’ forte since they started writing guidebooks on crisis counselling and managing grief for secondary survivors of homicide, suicide, and tragic accidents for the Ottawa Police Service’s Victim Crisis Unit. They have produced a variety of documents, including brochures, statistical profiles, vignettes, best practice recommendations, evidence-based fact sheets, handbooks, and theses for Housing Help (Youth Advisory Committee), Canada Council for the Arts, Planned Parenthood Ottawa, and Carleton University, respectively. Cas has also evaluated programs in arts, mental health, and employment. Their research interests include homelessness, 2SLGBTQIA issues, disability, mental health, and employment.       
 
Cas lives with their young domestic medium-hair cat Misha and recently started fostering for their favourite cat rescue. In their spare time, Cas designs jewelry and mixed media art pieces revolving around themes of cats, ancient civilizations, fantastical creatures, and pop culture. They also enjoy playing video games and cosplaying their favourite television, film, and graphic novel characters at geek conventions throughout North America.