Ryan
February 16, 2024Ryan
February 16, 2024STAFF PROFILE
I went to Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough for Conservation of Art and Antiquities with the intent to go into Museum Studies. Unfortunately, this sector lost a lot of funding and I couldn’t find work.
My sister worked at New Leaf and advised me to apply. I didn’t have any previous experience except having a brother with Autism, Down’s Syndrome and XYY Ironically, both my sister and I vowed to never work in this field.
This was just a steppingstone for me, until I discovered a career I really wanted to do. Almost 24 years later, I went from casual, part-time, full-time, and now Supervisor. I recently completed the DSW Apprenticeship program at Loyalist College.
Heather
4 Things that Motivate Me
- Advocating for rights and equality, and the relationships I have built with people supported.
- Seniority I have built up.
- The schedule/hours (12-hour shifts – only work 7 days in a 2 week period).
- Every day is something different, new challenges, successes, awareness, learning. It’s not the same thing every day. Where else can you go on trips, movies, picnics – and see the enjoyment and experiences through someone else’s eyes?
Position: Supervisor
Status: Full-time
Years at NL: 24 years
Personality: Outgoing, loud, advocate, equality, mentor, positive, optimistic.
Why I love working at New Leaf
The rapport and relationships I have built with people supported. I look back and can’t believe how long ago that seems. The teams that we build when we work in programs together – most of us are here to enhance individuals’ lives. I have so many experiences (good and bad) that guide how I work today.
Looking to the future
New Leaf will be one big team, with awesome communication, respect and dedication from all employees and recognition for the challenging work that we do.
The people we support live in great environments and experience advocacy, equality, accessibility and integration.
Education and knowledge is power – power for change, power for confidence and advocacy.