Liz Okai BSW, MSW, RSW
Manager, Peel CAS’s Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence
Liz Okai is a manager at the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence at Peel CAS and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic vision for the Centre. Liz is passionate about, and contributes to the ever-growing body of knowledge regarding the intersectionality of child welfare, immigration, and settlement. Liz practices, and leads from a strong equity lens, collaborating with partners across sectors and all levels of government in ensuring better outcomes for children, youth and families involved with the child welfare system. Liz’s practice and leadership philosophy places strong emphasis on advocacy, education, and system change.
Mandisa Sifelani -BSW, MSW, RSW
Child Protection Immigration Specialist, Peel CAS’s Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence
Mandisa Sifelani is a registered Social Worker and Child Protection Immigration Specialist with the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE). Prior to joining CWICE, Mandisa was an Assessor in the Advice and Assessment department at Peel CAS. Mandisa is a currently a Co-Trainer of CWICE Certificate Training Series for child welfare professionals across Ontario. Her passion is working with newcomer families and unaccompanied and separated children, in aiding to regularize their immigration status, ensuring their safety and providing culturally relevant services for ease of transitioning into life in Canada. Mandisa prides herself in having a keen attentiveness to the importance of the Best Interests of the Child, and their voice within Child Welfare.