LOTUS COUNSELLING AND SUPERVISION
Meet Your Practitioner
Saira Batasar-Johnie locates herself as a brown, Indo-Caribbean Canadian cisgender woman of Indo-Caribbean/South Asian Indian descent and 1st generation settler in T’karonto/Toronto, Ontario situated on the territory of the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the New Credit and Haudenosaunee Peoples, with recognition to "The Dish With One Spoon" wampum and Treaty 13.
Saira’s parents were immigrants escaping violence, oppression and poverty in Guyana and Trinidad. Saira is an author, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Registered Social Worker, who currently works in post-secondary as a Student Affairs Coordinator and Part-time Professor across the GTA.
She is also a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Saira is passionate about bringing the history of Indo-Caribbeans to the newest diaspora of young people. She hopes to educate young people with her words, her book “Dear Divya” is the first of many and she hopes to inspire them to continue their journey of understanding themselves in this world.
Saira embodies the essence of a dedicated professional and compassionate Social worker and Child and Youth Worker, committed to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of those around her. As an unwavering advocate for mental health, she tirelessly works towards breaking down societal barriers that often shroud important conversations in silence.
Her unwavering dedication to breaking societal norms and cultivating a supportive environment reflects her belief in the transformative power of shared experiences. Saira's journey is marked by her commitment to building bridges between individuals and mental health resources.
Her Story
Saira's journey began in the heart of an Indo-Caribbean household, where the vibrant traditions of her heritage intermingled with the strict values of her Caribbean parents. Raised with a sense of discipline and a strong cultural identity, Saira navigated the delicate balance between tradition and the desire for personal growth.
​
As she matured, Saira found her calling in the field of Child and Youth Care. Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a passion for making a positive impact, she pursued a path that allowed her to connect with young minds in a profound way. Despite the initial reservations of her parents, who valued more conventional career paths, Saira persisted, recognizing that her unique background could be a source of strength in her chosen field.
​
Years later, Saira stands as a registered social worker, a testament to her perseverance and commitment to her calling. Her journey has not been without challenges, but every obstacle only fueled her determination to create lasting change. Drawing on her Indo-Caribbean roots, she incorporates herself into her work, understanding the importance of recognizing and honouring diverse backgrounds.
​
Saira's mission is clear—to use her skills to impact others on a deeper level. She believes in the transformative power of one-on-one support and is dedicated to making a difference, one person at a time. Her approach is holistic, recognizing that true change comes from addressing the individual's unique needs and circumstances.