What Is Your Educational Background?
- Bachelor in Social Science (Geography and Leisure Studies) University of Ottawa (1993)
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Carleton University (1997)
- Master of Arts (Educational Counselling) University of Ottawa (2002)
What Are Some Of Your Previous Work Experiences?
Before LWP I worked in a variety of social service settings with a variety of people. I began my community service career as a teenager, working summers at Christie Lake Camp, an organization providing skill development opportunities for children from low-income situations. I also worked in a variety of part-time jobs for a variety of municipal and community organizations. Some of my roles included Aquatics Instructor, Lifeguard, Program Facilitator, and Program Coordinator. Just before making the transition to working for LWP on a full-time basis I worked as a Recreation Therapist with seniors and individuals receiving palliative care and also as a facilitator in a mental health promotion program for youth.
How Long Have You Been With LiveWorkPlay?
Since the beginning! I co-founded what has now evolved into LWP starting in 1995. I have been working at LWP for the last 10 years.
What Is Your Motivation For Your Work At LiveWorkPlay?
My motivation in everything I do in my life is making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of others and being a part of other people's lives.
What Do You Find Challenging?
I find it challenging to focus on one piece of the puzzle. I want to work towards finding solutions and supports for everything, because I strongly believe that everything in life is connected, so to work on one piece of the puzzle is not enough, because the answers lie in the whole, not pieces of the whole. But sometimes it is a lot to think about all at once.
How Would You Describe The LiveWorkPlay Work Environment?
The LWP environment is never the same. There is always something new to work on. It is intense, fun, spontaneous, flexible...I love living on the edge of chaos!
What Have You Learned About People With Intellectual Disabilities?
I have learned that people with intellectual disabilities are people. Sometimes all the fuss that is made about their "specialness" or their "differences" creates a monster, and directs people to treat and perceive these individuals in limiting way. There is such a focus on fear, the unknown, vulnerability, and protection that attitudes about people with disabilities can be a huge barrier to their quality of life. I have learned from individuals with intellectual disabilities that each person I have met is an individual, and that is who they are and there is nothing wrong with that. For their entire identity to be only about being "special" or "vulnerable" is really disrespectful and inhumane.
What Have You Learned About Family Members Of People With Intellectual Disabilities?
I have learned that families all have their own style, values, and ways to contribute.
What Have You Learned About Societal Attitudes Towards People With Intellectual Disabilities?
Societal attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities can be great, frustrating, enraging, scary, moral, immoral, crazy, or non-existent. I am that I have attitudes and biases and continue to challenge my own attitudes. I think everyone needs to do this, sometimes our perceptions of our own views and attitudes are not in line with our actions.
What Has Been Your Most Interesting LiveWorkPlay Experience?
Every LWP experience is interesting, no way around that. I have to say the trips stand out. Sharing experiences and accompanying participants to explore a whole new world is really enriching and energizing.
When You Are Not At LiveWorkPlay What Do You Do?
When I am not at LWP I spend a lot of time with my husband, family, and cats. I enjoy playing tennis, spending time outside, bird and nature watching, kayaking, watching TV, eating, going out to dinner, and spending time by myself.
Links Of Interest
Julie's "interesting" experience on the Miami trip
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