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What Is Your Educational Background?
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Wilfrid Laurier University (2002)
- Bachelor of Education, University of Western Ontario (2003)
- Additional Teaching Qualification, Special Education I
What Are Some Of Your Previous Work Experiences?
Some of my more recent work experiences include supporting several children with disabilities and their families as a respite worker for the Victoria Order of Nurses, and working as an Occcasional Teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. I was Head Foreign English Teacher at a private school in Busan, South Korea from 2004-2006.
How Long Have You Been With LiveWorkPlay?
I have been a part of the LiveWorkPlay staff team since May 2006.
What Is Your Motivation For Your Work At LiveWorkPlay?
I find that at LiveWorkPlay I have the opportunity to use a wide variety of my skills and professional knowledge on a daily basis. I find it extremely satisfying to work with participants in helping them to realize their hidden strengths and potential. It is exciting to support participants as they continue to increase their self-confidence and become more comfortable with their role as self-advocates.
What Do You Find Challenging?
It's a challenge learning how to support individual participants in an effective way. Strategies that help some participants can have little or no significant impact with others.
How Would You Describe The LiveWorkPlay Work Environment?
Organized chaos, mixed with a healthy dose of staff collaboration and participant involvement.
What Have You Learned About People With Intellectual Disabilities?
That they are capable of so much more than what most people in the world give them credit for. I have also learned that it is often difficult for the people closest to participants to support many of their personal choices and decisions.
What Have You Learned About Family Members Of People With Intellectual Disabilities?
That the majority of families that have children with intellectual disabilities are extremely caring and are devoted to trying to do what they feel is best for their children. Sometimes it is difficult for families to support their adult children's personal decisions and choices, because they are used to protecting them, not supporting them to take risks.
What Have You Learned About Societal Attitudes Towards People With Intellectual Disabilities?
I am much more aware of some of the attitudes in the community about people with intellectual disabilities after hearing many personal accounts from participants at LiveWorkPlay. I have learned that there are many people today that have positive and respectful attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities. However, there are also many prevailing stereotypes and stigma that people with intellectual disabilities encounter on a daily basis.
What Has Been Your Most Interesting LiveWorkPlay Experience?
Since returning from a maternity leave to a new position where I am working full-time supporting people to find and keep paid employment, it's not hard to think of many exciting moments. Being a part of "I got a job!" is really special.
One of my favourite events is the annual Visioning Day and Pool Party, as both events gave me the chance to really get to know both participants and their families, but in polar opposite settings.
When You Are Not At LiveWorkPlay What Do You Do?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, my baby girl, my extended family, and going out with friends - preferably doing something active and outdoors. I also love reading and gardening when I get the chance.
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