Our Roots | Strong Roots Initiative

Sparked by a joint partnership in response to youth victimization, Strong Roots Initiative was founded on a commitment to reduce barriers, create space for unheard voices to be seen and believed, and provide support that genuinely meets people where they are.

Safety keeps us alive. Connection helps us live.

Amy Spence

Co-Founder

Amy Spence is an advocate, strategist, and former police officer with a passion for creating safer, healthier communities. Drawing on more than 18 years of experience in public safety, crisis response, and victim support, she has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable individuals and building collaborative solutions to complex social challenges.

Throughout her policing career, Amy specialized in child abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and crimes involving vulnerable populations. She also spent more than a decade as a crisis negotiator, ultimately leading and coordinating specialized response teams. Her expertise spans trauma-informed intervention, victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, and cross-sector collaboration.

With academic training in Kinesiology, Psychology, and Addictions Studies, Amy brings a unique blend of leadership, evidence-based practice, and frontline experience. She is committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and developing innovative approaches that promote safety, resilience, and belonging.

Britt Brown

Co-Founder

With more than 19 years of experience in community-based practice, legislated intervention, and cross-sector collaboration, Brittney has dedicated her career to supporting children, youth, families, and the professionals who serve them. Her work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through relationships, shared responsibility, and communities working together.

Brittney's professional background includes education in Criminal Justice and Child and Youth Care Counselling, and she is currently completing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her graduate work reflects her commitment to breaking down traditional silos and advancing collaborative approaches to complex social issues, with a particular focus on community vulnerability during times of crisis and on supporting youth impacted by sexual exploitation, victimization, criminality, and systemic harm.

Through Strong Roots Initiative, Brittney intends to strengthen community capacity, empower others through education and collaboration, and developing practical, relationship-based solutions that help individuals, families, and communities grow stronger together.