In this episode of The Social Worker Podcast, presented by the Canadian Association of Social Workers, we’re joined by Jaeyell Kim, a Korean-Canadian social worker, educator, and mental health advocate whose work is deeply rooted in supporting youth, newcomers, and families across Canada.

Jaeyell shares his journey into social work, shaped by his own lived experience navigating racism, migration, and identity. From being one of the only Korean-speaking social workers in his community to building more accessible and culturally responsive care, his story highlights the critical role of representation in mental health services.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What “transitional trauma” means and how it impacts newcomers navigating unfamiliar systems
• The realities of language barriers, stigma, and access to care in immigrant communities
• How culturally grounded practice can build trust, safety, and connection
• Jaeyell’s creative use of comics and storytelling to make mental health more approachable
• His advice to the next generation of social workers on cultural humility and lifelong learning

This episode is a powerful reminder that social work is not just about services — it’s about understanding, belonging, and meeting people where they are.