Sharon McLeod Death & Obituary: TORONTO, ON – Sharon McLeod, a respected professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and a prominent figure in the fields of social work, mental health, and addiction treatment, has tragically passed away. Her death marks the loss of a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate whose legacy has profoundly impacted her students, colleagues, and the broader community.
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A Life of Service and Advocacy
For 18 years, McLeod taught at TMU’s School of Social Work, where her teaching approach set her apart. Known for her commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and real-world engagement, McLeod pushed her students to not only grasp academic theory but to apply it meaningfully in the world around them. Her classroom was a space where participation, self-reflection, and ownership of one’s learning were strongly encouraged.
Her career spanned more than 25 years, including significant work in the addiction and mental health sector. McLeod served as an Addiction Therapist and Senior Social Worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Donwood Institute. Her work focused heavily on marginalized communities, and she was an advocate for Black Health and social justice. McLeod was instrumental in the establishment of the TAIBU Community Health Centre, which addresses the unique health needs of the Black community.
Mentorship and Commitment to Equity
As a mentor, McLeod was known for her dedication to guiding students through the challenges of social work education and practice. She was particularly focused on helping students navigate power structures within social work and encouraged them to see themselves as agents of change. Her unwavering dedication to equity and high standards shaped the next generation of social workers, many of whom went on to become leaders in the field.
Born to Jamaican immigrant parents in downtown Toronto, McLeod’s personal experiences in Scarborough, a culturally diverse area, deeply influenced her professional commitment to advocacy and social justice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in 1993 and her Master of Social Work from Howard University in 1995.
Legacy at TMU
In addition to her teaching and clinical work, McLeod served as the Academic Lead for the Field Placement Office at TMU’s School of Social Work. In this role, she ensured that students received invaluable hands-on experience in the field, preparing them for the complexities of social work practice. McLeod’s influence extended beyond the classroom, impacting her students’ professional and personal lives, and shaping the social work community at TMU.
A Lasting Impact
McLeod’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of social workers. Her commitment to dignity, equity, and social justice has left an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. In her honor, the TMU School of Social Work community has vowed to carry forward her mission of challenging norms, advocating for equity, and maintaining high standards in the field of social work.
Though Sharon McLeod is no longer with us, her work and dedication will live on through the many lives she touched. Rest in power, Professor McLeod – your impact will never be forgotten.