CV
Skills & Accomplishments
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
Master of Science in Aging & Health, Queen's University, School of Rehabilitative Therapy (2020)
My graduate research centered around the provision of support services for older adults, and looked particularly at their effectiveness in addressing the needs of seniors facing social isolation or the risk factors that lead to it. Other areas of study included "Spiritual Care for Older Adults" and "Ethics in Aging" where I developed a strong interest in both end-of-life supports and the rights of older adults to self-determination and ethical treatment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Before returning to academic studies, my professional career had been focused on providing support services to university-level international students, many of whom were adapting to enormous changes and challenges in their new environment. Completing a certified Coaching course through Erikson Coaching International added to the empathetic listening skills I acquired from years of working as an advisor. Inspired by my volunteer role at Granville Gardens, a retirement and assisted living residence, I made the decision to change careers and begin offering, to seniors, my expertise in providing support services.
BACKGROUND
I was born and raised in Vancouver and have raised my own family here. Witnessing my elderly mother's decline as she struggled with age-related frailty, and then working with a number of wonderful older people in my volunteer role, inspired me to embark on a “later-in-life” change of careers. Returning to academia, I completed a specialized program in Aging and Health at Queen's University. My studies have given me a thorough knowledge and understanding of many issues related to aging. With this I am able to offer the help that my clients need, and I help families ensure their loved ones are well cared for. I often wish I had the understanding of these issues when dealing with my mother’s care, as there are things I would have done differently. I now better appreciate the importance of her desire for self-determination in all her decision-making. It’s an important lesson I take forward into this work, and I believe my mother would be proud of me and what I am doing to help seniors.