Research Projects
Master’s Thesis | Wilfrid Laurier University
Breaking the Cycle: Centering the Voices of Young Adult Offenders to Transform Rehabilitation
Daryn’s Master’s thesis explores the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and criminal trajectories among young adult offenders. The study uses qualitative methods to center offender-informed perspectives, aiming to inform trauma-informed rehabilitation models that address root causes of offending rather than symptoms of behaviour.
Students From Care Speak Out
Daryn is currently engaged in the Students From Care Speak Out project, which investigates the university supports available to youth with foster care experience. This research identifies barriers and opportunities for improving access to resources, fostering belonging, and building trauma-informed academic environments for former youth in care.
Directed Study
The Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Youth Offenders and Gaps in Rehabilitation
This Directed Study involves an in-depth literature review examining the prevalence of ACEs among youth offenders and the limitations of current rehabilitation models. The project highlights the urgent need for integrated, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate interventions in justice settings.
Youth Emerging Leaders Project | Nutrition for Learning
Nourishing Beyond Calories
Through this community-based research and leadership initiative, Daryn supports the development of youth-led programming that addresses food insecurity through an equity, trauma-informed, and systems-change lens. The project connects nourishment with leadership, belonging, and holistic wellbeing.
Volunteer Work
Daryn is deeply committed to community service and social impact, dedicating her time to organizations that align with her mission of compassion, equity, and systemic reform. Her volunteer work reflects a lifelong commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and trauma-informed leadership.
Camino Mental Health + Wellbeing
Daryn supports programming focused on improving access to mental health services and promoting holistic wellbeing through education, advocacy, and peer connection.
Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region
As a former youth in care, Daryn partners with FACS to amplify the voices of young people with lived experience, contribute to public awareness campaigns, and advocate for trauma-informed and equitable support systems.
Parents for Community Living
Daryn contributes to initiatives supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, helping to foster inclusion, belonging, and community engagement through compassionate, person-centered approaches.
Youth Leaders on Board | Child & Family Services of Grand Erie
Daryn serves on the Board of Directors through the Youth Leaders on Board program, offering lived experience, policy insight, and youth perspective to guide the organization’s governance and strategic initiatives.
Soroptimist International of the Americas
As a proud member of this global volunteer organization, Daryn works alongside other women leaders to improve the lives of women and girls through access to education, mentorship, and economic empowerment.
“The world may attempt to impose limitations or dictate what is possible, but these are not the ultimate truth. What is truly possible is determined by your willingness to challenge these constraints and push beyond the boundaries of conventional thinking. Each societal construct that tells you what you cannot achieve is merely an invitation to prove what you can”- The Becoming, Daryn Brito