Inclusion and Connections Coordinator, Community Living Burlington
Social Work

Why did you decide to become a Social Worker?

Like many great Social Workers, I was drawn to the profession because of the fast cars and money (joking). Social work called me because I thought it would be a career that would offer me the happiest life. It is a privilege to authentically connect with people daily, and even more so to be invited into their lives during crucial moments.

Can you tell me about your social work journey and how it has led you to your current position?

I started my Social Work journey at York University and enjoyed my placement at a long-term care facility in Mississauga. It was there I met a lady who had a developmental disability and connected with her deeply. It was an eye-opening experience for me, and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the direction I wanted my career to go and the population I wanted to serve. I learned that life is short, and the experience validated my gut instinct to spend it helping others. After graduating I started working at Community Living supporting people who have developmental disabilities. My partner and I were blessed with a child and during maternity leave I returned to York to receive a certificate in Business Administration. This gave me even more tools in my toolkit to make a difference in the agency.

Where do you work, what’s your job title, and can you provide a little information about what a typical work week is like for you?

I work at Community Living Burlington as an Inclusion and Connections Coordinator. I suppose I might be bias in this opinion, but I would say I have one of the best jobs ever. Community Living supports people who have a developmental disability, and I am privileged to be invited into people’s homes to help them recognize and achieve their goals. I use my Social Work skills daily when; I actively listen to individuals and families, advocate and educate the community about the barriers people living with disabilities face and of course, always critically reflect on my own practice to see how I can improve.

Can you tell me about your current position, what you love, and what are some of the challenges?

I love the authentic connections I make with unique and wonderful people. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to challenge the limiting beliefs people with disabilities have learned about themselves. I have seen people do remarkable things when they didn’t know they could because no one ever encouraged them to try.

The biggest challenge recently has been coming out of what we call ‘the pandemic funk’. So many people are still feeling the effects and rates of anxiety and depression remain high.

What did you take away from our social work program?

The takeaway from the Social Work program I have used the most in my career is simple; Remain curious and opportunities to learn and grow will come to you in abundance.

Self-Care is very important; how do you practice this and what tips would you give to students and new grads?

My self care typically involves a 30-minute pep talk before finally convincing myself to get my running shoes on. Then I go for a run and feel incredible afterwards. I think self-care isn’t just the indulging bubble bath, or chocolate binge, its recognizing what you need and loving yourself enough to create space to do that.

What advice would you give to new social work graduates?

There are so many possibilities with a Social Work degree! If you are able try to work with a few different populations. You never know what might spark passion until you try it. Truth is that getting to do a job that you feel a burning passion for is a Social Workers biggest flex.