Court Processes that Extend Family Violence; Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities; Differences in Indigenous Family Law

Dr. Ferzana Chaze is Professor, Faculty of Applied Health,and Community Studies at SheridanCollege where she teaches students enrolled in Bachelor of Social and Community from the University of Mumbai and the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Development and Social Service Worker Programs. In addition, Ferzana has played a key role in building a strong research curriculum for undergraduate students at both diploma and degree levels in the School of Community Studies at Sheridan College. She has an MSW Social Work at the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Social Work from York University. Ferzana’s teaching and research interests include a focus on vulnerable populations, including immigrants and their settlement; diversity and inclusion; social policy; and research methods

Archana Medhekar is a Certified Family Law specialist, Family Mediator-Arbitrator, OCL panellawyer, and Harvard trained Negotiator with over 20 years of experience in the legal field.Archana’s conflict resolution work focuses on people with intersectional vulnerabilities facing barriers to access to justice including the immigrants, refugees, women and children and the impact of family violence and power imbalances. Archana has completed her Master of Laws From Osgoode HallLaw School and has written research papers on human-centred approach to dispute system design and inclusive family justice system in Ontario. Archana is an instructor at the York University’s Family Mediation Program. She is a member of the Board of Directors ofAFCC-O and OAFM. She works on the United Nation’s platform in her role as the co-chair of theWomen in Mediation Action Group of Mediator’s Beyond Borders International

After more than a decade of working with families, Tamara Scarowsky understands that most people dealing with family law issues want a practical way forward that addresses what really matters to them. Tamara helps her clients get to where they want to go with creative problem-solving and a forward-thinking approach. Tamara is also a guest speaker and educator on various topics related to family law, access to justice, and trauma-informed practice. Tamara is a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer. She is also an effective advocate in family law litigation;however, Tamara is selective in taking on litigation files, typically using the court process as a last resort