Sharon McLeod Toronto ON Death and Obituary – Sharon McLeod, a distinguished professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), tragically passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in the fields of social work, mental health, and addiction treatment. Her contributions as an educator, mentor, and social work professional have shaped the lives of countless students and professionals. McLeod’s life and work exemplified a relentless commitment to equity, social justice, and the transformation of lives through education.
For 18 years, Sharon McLeod served as a lecturer at TMU’s School of Social Work, earning the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. Her teaching approach was anything but conventional. She consistently pushed students to think critically and creatively, encouraging them to engage with their work and the world around them. McLeod was known for fostering an environment that encouraged active participation, self-reflection, and ownership of one’s learning journey. She emphasized the integration of real-world experiences into her curriculum, ensuring that her students gained practical insights that would serve them well beyond academic theory.
Sharon McLeod’s career spanned more than 25 years in the addiction and mental health sector. During this time, she worked as an Addiction Therapist and Senior Social Worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Donwood Institute. Her work was transformative, particularly for marginalized communities, and she played a key role in advocating for Black Health. Her extensive experience in mental health services greatly informed her teaching, providing students with a robust and well-rounded education. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the TAIBU Community Health Centre, an organization dedicated to addressing the unique health concerns of the Black community.
Beyond her professional achievements, McLeod’s mentorship was a cornerstone of her career. She was deeply committed to helping students understand the power structures in social work settings and to guiding them as they navigated their educational and professional journeys. McLeod challenged her students to transcend their limitations, urging them to see themselves as agents of change and advocates for social justice. Her dedication to high standards and equity was evident in every aspect of her work, and she instilled these values in the next generation of social workers.
McLeod’s personal background deeply influenced her career. Born in downtown Toronto to Jamaican immigrant parents, McLeod was raised in Scarborough, a diverse and dynamic area that shaped her passion for advocacy and social justice. She pursued her academic journey at the University of Toronto, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993. She then obtained her Master of Social Work from Howard University in 1995, further honing her expertise in social work and mental health services.
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 valuable hands-on experience in the field, preparing them for the challenges of professional practice. Her impact on students was immense, with many going on to become leaders in social work and advocacy.
Sharon McLeod’s legacy as a professor, mentor, and advocate will continue to inspire future generations of social workers. Her unwavering commitment to dignity, equity, and social justice will remain a guiding light for those who had the privilege of learning from her. Though she is no longer with us, her influence on the field of social work and the lives of those she mentored will never be forgotten.
In her honor, the TMU School of Social Work community has pledged to continue her mission of challenging norms, advocating for equity, and upholding the highest standards of social work practice. Rest in power, Professor McLeod; your impact will live on.
