EWO Member Spotlight |
Regional Associate Director, Central Canada
CEWIL
1. How many years have you been working in WIL and/or Experiential Learning?
Since I began teaching at Brock University in 1993 I have always taken theoretical learning one step further into an applied environment. In essence I have been implementing experiential learning for around 30 years but moved to be immersed in the field for the last 10 years.
2. Tell us a little bit about your career and why you do what you do?
My career has been founded in academia from the beginning. After 21 years of undergraduate course delivery, I moved to graduate work. Here I developed protocols and logistics for work-integrated learning for two professional graduate level degrees and taught three different practicum-based courses in those programs.
Then I transitioned into a staff role to develop experiential learning. Here, I worked closely with students, constantly collaborating with faculty and colleagues across the institution while I built community connections locally and globally.
I am currently on a secondment from my home institution working with CEWIL Canada. My current role is Regional Associate Director for Central Canada, it is incredibly satisfying working with like minded individuals while reducing barriers for students. Hearing what is going on in the field across the country is so invigorating.
3. Who are you outside of work? Where would we find you on a weekend or holiday?
Outside of work, I am a very busy Mom. I have three amazing humans and a fantastic partner that I am truly blessed to share space with! You will typically find me outside. I love nature; I kayak, bike, play tennis and golf, swim, and love taking our dog “Sage” for long hikes.
4. Tell us about what themes or topics in Co-op/WIL/EL that you are passionate about.
I am incredibly passionate about reducing barriers and creating safe and equitable spaces. I also have a background in international work and WIL. Most recently, I have created a course on global health where we took the class to Namibia and South Africa to work with our partners for a 3-week intensive WIL opportunity.
I am very excited to see how industry and post-secondary institutions work closely together to address workforce development.
5. What is one accomplishment you are most proud of?
In my career, I feel incredibly humbled to have been chosen as part of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. This conference included an intensive work-study where I was blessed to go to the Northwest Territories to build relationships, to listen and learn. Then I returned to Ottawa with my group to present our findings to Her Excellency, Mary Simon.
6. What would you recommend to a new professional getting involved in WIL and EL in Ontario?
Take chances, get uncomfortable, that is where true growth will happen.
Be authentic in your relationship building, you can only move at the speed of trust.
Listen. Listen to your community partners’ needs, listen to your student’s needs.
Reach out! Talk to people in the field and make connections.
7. What’s the best part of working at CEWIL?
Without a doubt, the people. This extends past the incredible group that I work with daily at CEWIL and reaches across the country.
It is so rewarding to engage with students who have received funding and hearing their stories!
The WIL practitioners are so inspiring. They drive innovation and excellence, and I am so proud to be a small part of that.