LEADING CHANGE THROUGH PERSONAL STORIES
Everyone Deserves an Equal Space at the Table
At Parker & Assu, we transform our personal stories, leadership, and nonprofit expertise into powerful tools for peer-led education, advocacy, and policy reform. Drawing from our lived experiences, we create tailored cultural training and diversity programs that help leaders, managers, and teams support individuals facing substance use, mental health challenges, and marginalization, strengthen internal support, and foster empowerment within organizations. Our goal is to create compassionate, inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Founded by Kevin Parker and Rachel Plamondon-Assu, Parker & Assu has over 25 years of combined experience. Our journeys through addiction and recovery have provided us with deep insights into coping mechanisms, displacement, and the systemic barriers that often isolate those in need. These lived experiences shape our approach, allowing us to meet individuals where they are and support them in their journey toward wellness and growth.
By sharing our stories, we aim to shift perspectives, build empathy, and break down barriers. Wherever people are welcomed, we strive to ensure they feel truly included.
HOW WE DRIVE IMPACT
Partnering with You to Foster Inclusion and Support
At Parker & Assu, we help organizations improve their ability to engage and support individuals with lived and living experiences (PWLLE). Our services include creating customized employment programs, coaching, and mentorship to empower PWLLE within your teams.
We also offer tailored training and workshops to equip your leaders and staff with the skills to create more inclusive environments emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We aim to help you build a more vital, compassionate organization that embraces everyone’s potential.
PEER EMPLOYMENT
COACHING
MENTORSHIP
TESTIMONIALS
Through our consulting services, we want to help people be better than they were the day before. Here are some things our clients say about working with us:
"KEVIN AND RACHEL PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMIZED TRAINING ON COLLABORATING WITH AND SUPPORTING PEERS IN THE HOMELESSNESS SERVICES SECTOR. THEIR INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE RESULTED IN TRANSFORMATIVE WORKSHOP VIDEOS THAT TRULY MADE AN IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, RACHEL'S ROLE IN CO-FACILITATING THE PERSONS WITH LIVED AND LIVING EXPERIENCE (PWLLE) ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS IS COMMENDABLE. SHE HAS CREATED A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE TRADITIONALLY MARGINALIZED VOICES ARE HEARD AND PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN SHAPING PUBLIC POLICY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEIR SERVICES."
Stephen D’Souza - Executive Director HSABC
AS CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT RAINCITY HOUSING, I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF WORKING ALONGSIDE, AND LEARNING FROM, BOTH RACHEL AND KEVIN. BOTH KEVIN AND RACHEL BRING SIGNIFICANT KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS IN THE HARM REDUCTION SPACE, IN AREAS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AND IN APPROACHES TO WELCOMING IN PEOPLE WITH LIVED AND LIVING EXPERIENCE. THEIR PASSION IS INFECTIOUS AND THEIR PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING HOW TO STRENGTHEN WORK IN THESE AREAS IS EXTREMELY VALUABLE.
Catharine Hume - Co-Executive Director at RainCity Housing
LET'S CONNECT
What Would You Like to Learn?
Reach out to Parker & Assu to learn more about our services and tailor-made learning experiences. Whether you need training, workshops, consulting, or support for individuals with lived experience, we are here to assist. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find out how we can work together to create inclusive and supportive environments.
HOW WE SUPPORT
Accessible and Inclusive Learning Solutions for Individuals and Organizations
Parker & Assu provides organizations with the tools and resources to engage better and support marginalized individuals. By sharing lived experience narratives, practical insights, and interactive workshops, we help your teams and leaders better understand the challenges faced by those with lived experience. Our dynamic learning activities and informative videos are designed to enhance your team’s knowledge and strengthen your commitment to creating more inclusive and supportive environments.