From 2010 to 2015, while completing a Bachelor of Education in Primary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies, I worked as an Early Childhood Educator and Life Skills Coach, where I supported students with both intellectual and physical disabilities aged 3-21. I worked in a supporting role for students with Asperger's Syndrome, Chromosome 9 - Trisomy 9p, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, developing and implementing activities that supported and promoted healthy development, promoted appropriate social and communication skills, fostered healthy relationships, and developed a sense of independence.
From 2015-2018, I worked with students in Shenzhen, China utilizing the International Baccalaureate curricula as a Primary Years Program Teacher, while completing two Advanced Graduate Certifications from the University of Calgary in Inclusive Education and Advancing Health and Socially Just Schools and Communities, and a Masters of Education. In 2018, I joined the community of Ulukhaktok as a Program Support Teacher, where I led weekly collaborative meetings between staff, advocated for technology and support for students, and scheduled interventions.
In 2021, I was invited to join the BDDEC Regional Office as the Regional Inclusive Schooling Coordinator. The Regional Inclusive Schooling Coordinator (RISC) holds the central coordination role at the district level. Reporting directly to the Assistant Superintendent, the RISC supports school-based staff and serves as a liaison between the school and community agencies and other stakeholder groups. The RISC works directly with school principals and PSTs to ensure that school staff know about and use effective inclusive schooling practices.