EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 2005 – 2007 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE Bachelor of Arts • Psychology Major • Completed two Applied Studies and two Independent Studies on youth with concurrent disabilities • Published work in the Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal https://lurj.org/issues/volume-4-number-1/synesthesia
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEER HISTORY Sept. 2016- Present LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.51 Career Practitioner (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and Lethbridge Alternative Schools) · Complete assessments to determine assets and skills · Implement classroom programming for career and post-secondary planning · Create resumes for students with a range of backgrounds
Aug. 2008- Jun. 2010 Oct. 2015- Sept. 2016 LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.51 Advanced Educational Support (Various Elementary and Middle Schools) · Provide behavioural support for those with severe concerns (Code 42) in an educational setting · Work with teachers, psychologists, behavioural consultants, and parents to develop IPP’s · Develop and implement modified programming, assessment tools and learning strategies
June 2010- October 2015 ALBERTA HUMAN SERVICES Career and Employment Consultant · Assisted Albertans in meeting their employment, financial, personal and medical needs · Approved Learner Income Support for and case managed at-risk high school students primarily at Victoria Park High School · Completed the 18 month Leadership Program and performed acting supervisory duties · Managed the Housing First portfolio- a complex caseload where I collaborated with professionals to obtain and maintain resources for vulnerable Albertans
March 2016- Present SIK OOH KOTOKI FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY Board of Directors · Support the society’s vision which is “Working towards an improved quality of life (respect, dignity and equal opportunity) for Aboriginal people in the urban community” · Plan and attend cultural events in the community · Assess and vote on policy changes, budgets and contracts
February 2014- Present PEAK SUPPORT SERVICES Support Worker · Provide culturally appropriate support to individuals with developmental disabilities and addictions residentially and in the community with a focus on harm reduction · Create and maintain case plans and make appropriate referrals to community agencies
January 2009- Present SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Foster Parent (Level 2 Home) · Provide care and supervision for youth in care requiring specialized care ages 12-18 · Attend case conferences to collaborate with professionals to develop goals and plans
May 2008- July 2008 MISTIK WASKHIK CULTURAL HEALING CENTRE Youth Worker (Summer Position) · Supervised youth placed in care of First Nations group home due to volatile family circumstances · Provided counseling to youth regarding issues of substance abuse, violence, sexual issues, etc.
January 2008- June 2008 ST. FRANCIS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Special Education Teacher Assistant · Supported youth with disabilities (predominantly FASD and Autism) in a school setting · Facilitated and encouraged positive student behaviours and learning strategies
September 2007- July 2008 LETHBRIDGE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS Intern Probation Officer · Handled cases of youth and adults who have been ordered under community supervision · Prepared pre-sentence reports, conducted interviews and referrals to community agencies
September 2005 – November 2010 LETHBRIDGE YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEE Youth Mentor, Co-Chairperson · Under direction of Alberta Solicitor General, managed cases using a restorative justice approach · Recruited, trained and managed volunteers
September 2005- January 2011 GREYSTOKE HOMES AND SUPPORT SERVICES Support Worker · Worked with families through Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) who have physical and/or mental impairments who require support and supervision · Provided support and guidance in accordance with the wishes of the families and other stakeholders in the form of respite care and daily living assistance.
Other training
• Alberta Human Services: Disaster Social Services • Alberta Human Services: Understanding Family Violence • Canadian Red Cross: Violence/Abuse Prevention • Critical Thinking • Crucial Conversations: Certificate • Emergency First Aid and CPR • FASD-Working with Adults • FOIP/Confidentiality/Privacy Act • Introduction to Counselling • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention • Suicide Intervention: Certificate • Supporting Individuals With Valued Attachments (SIVA)
REFERENCES Karen Bourassa Teacher, Mike Mountain Horse Elementary School 403-360-8214
Trish Syme Vice Principal, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute 403-715-6870
Mallory Kristjanson Former Supervisor, Peak Vocational and Support Services 403-795-5787
Erika Publow Caseworker, Southern Alberta Child and Family Services 403-795-4955