About us
True Ally is a trauma-informed therapy and consulting practice founded by Sharlene Gumbs, MSW, RSW. We support individuals and organizations through change, healing, and growth by centering emotional safety, practical tools, and real-world context. Our work bridges individual care with systems-level understanding, helping people move forward in ways that are both effective and sustainable.
Guiding Prinicpals
Safety first — emotional and psychological safety matter
Trauma-informed by design — choice, pacing, and respect
Relational — change happens in relationship
Practical — tools that work in real life
Systems-aware — context, power, and culture matter
Sustainable — capacity over burnout
In Practice
True Ally has delivered trauma-informed training, facilitation, policy development, and consulting for nonprofit and community-based organizations across Ontario.
Select experience includes work with organizations such as Ontario Association of Social Workers, Roots Community Services, Ifarada Institute, and George Hull Centre for Children and Families.