About Sharlene

Sharlene Gumbs, MSW, RSW is the Founder and Principal of True Ally, a trauma-informed consulting and psychotherapy practice based in Ontario, Canada. As a Registered Social Worker, consultant, and therapist, she brings expertise in clinical practice, organizational development, and leadership support to individuals, teams, and organizations navigating complexity, change, and high-demand environments.

Sharlene's work sits at the intersection of people, leadership, and systems. She partners with nonprofit, community, healthcare, and social service organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, foster psychological safety, and integrate trauma-informed and reflective practices that are practical, ethical, and sustainable. Her approach is grounded in real-world experience and emphasizes meaningful relationships, contextual understanding, and long-term impact over one-size-fits-all solutions.

Drawing on experience across mental health, healthcare, community services, and organizational consultation, Sharlene helps leaders and teams navigate growth, transition, workplace challenges, and workforce wellbeing with confidence and clarity.

In addition to her consulting and training work, Sharlene provides psychotherapy rooted in trauma-informed, relational, and strengths-based practice. Across all areas of her work, she is guided by a commitment to care, integrity, and creating the conditions for people and organizations to thrive.