Peaceful Transitions

Peaceful Transitions

About

In 2016, I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my husband to Huntington’s Disease.  I watched him cope with this condition for eight years and stood by his side as his caregiver, his support system and his voice when he could no longer speak.  There were so many decisions to be made and information to process.  As a family, we had so many questions to ask and medical personnel to meet with.  At times, it was overwhelming. 

This disease ultimately took my husband’s life, and it forever impacted me, our children, our home, and the future we had planned.

During this challenging time, I discovered that my previous careers as a case manager, bereavement counsellor, and health care educator prepared me well for this difficult path in our life.  It also made me acutely aware that everything I have gone through has laid the path for my new journey.

For several years, I have practiced Reflexology, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy, while incorporating energy work into these modalities.  My educational background as a registered social worker for over 35 years has rooted my skills in supporting families going through stressful situations.  Throughout my social service career, I have incorporated Grief & Bereavement Counselling and Hospice & Palliative Care training.  Recently, I have completed my training as a ‘Thanadoula’ or Death Doula, which is a non-medical practitioner that helps educate and provide support for End of Life Care.

Like most of my clients, I have children and grandchildren I love to pieces.

Travelling is one of my passions.  One place I enjoy visiting is Central America.  I spend a lot of time touring the country and teaching English, while absorbing everything the Latin culture has to offer.  This includes learning about their family-focused approach to death and dying. But my favourite place is the place I call home – Port Stanley.

I have lived in Elgin County for many years and both my roots and my heart are here.  I want to be able to help my friends, neighbours, and community deal with the various transitions that we encounter in life.

I have lost loved ones, gone through difficult times and needed to lean on others for support.  Now, I am offering to be that support for someone else.

Below, I have listed my credentials, certifications and licenses.

In 2016, I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my husband to Huntington’s Disease.  I watched him cope with this condition for eight years and stood by his side as his caregiver, his support system and his voice when he could no longer speak.  There were so many decisions to be made and information to process.  As a family, we had so many questions to ask and medical personnel to meet with.  At times, it was overwhelming. 

This disease ultimately took my husband’s life, and it forever impacted me, our children, our home, and the future we had planned.

During this challenging time, I discovered that my previous careers as a case manager, bereavement counsellor and health care educator prepared me well for this difficult path in our life.  It also made me acutely aware that everything I have gone through has laid the path for my new journey.

For several years, I have practiced Reflexology, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, while incorporating energy work into these modalities.  My educational background as a registered social worker for over 35 years has rooted my skills in supporting families going through stressful situations.  Throughout my social service career, I have incorporated Grief and Bereavement Counselling and Hospice and Palliative Care training.  Recently, I have completed my training as a ‘Thanadoula’ or Death Doula, which is a non-medical practitioner that helps educate and provide support for End of Life Care.

Like most of my clients, I have children and grandchildren I love to pieces.

Travelling is one of my passions.  One place I enjoy visiting is Central America.  I spend a lot of time touring the country and teaching English, while absorbing everything the Latin culture has to offer.  This includes learning about their family-focused approach to death and dying. But my favourite place is the place I call home – Port Stanley.

I have lived in Elgin County for many years and both my roots and my heart are here.  I want to be able to help my friends, neighbours and community deal with the various transitions that we encounter in life.

I have lost loved ones, gone through difficult times and needed to lean on others for support.  Now, I am offering to be that support for someone else.

Below, I have listed my credentials, certifications and licenses.

GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT TRAINING         

Death Doula – Educator and Support for End of Life Care
Douglas College – London 2019

Courses in Grief and Bereavement
Courses in Hospice, Palliative & End of Life Care. Various workshops & classes.
University of Western Ontario
Fanshawe College
(On-going learning from 1979-2014)

Advanced Palliative Care Training Certificate
(Completed Level 1 and Advanced)
VON/SW-LHIN
2010

AWARDS

Katharine Pearson Caregiver Award
VON Canada
Presented to staff and volunteers who have provided exemplary care to a family member, while continuing to support their community

 

MEDICINAL HEALTH TRAINING

Medicinal Cannabis
Course Code: HLTH-9338
Fanshawe College, 2019

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

ACTING DIRECTOR – BEREAVEMENT RESOURCE COUNSEL OF ELGIN AND VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR

Board of Directors Bereavement Resource of Elgin-St. Thomas
1996-2003

EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLOR/ESL COUNSELLOR
Fanshawe College, St. Thomas
1983-1993

CASE MANAGER – SOCIAL SERVICES
County of Elgin and City of St. Thomas
1983-1987

ACTING DIRECTOR – YWCA WOMEN’S SHELTER
YWCA – ST. THOMAS
1983-1984

LIFE EXPERIENCE COUNSELLING

Psychology & Sociology Courses
Kings College – University of Western Ontario
Crisis & Trauma courses 
Kings College – University of Western Ontario
(On-going learning from 1986-2014)

Diploma in Adult Education (Dp.A. Ed) – Needs Assessments, Learning Objectives, Evaluations, Design and Facilitation.
St. Francis Xavier, NS  1993

Social Service Worker (Registered with College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)
Fanshawe College, London 1981-1983

ASSIST – Certificate
For assessing and intervening with potential suicide.  2011 ** completed other workshops in this field

GOALS
– Certificate
Gaining Opportunities and Living Skills (GOALS)
Program by Jack Canfield – Chicken Soup for the Soul Author
US based program in schools, shelters, institutions to assist with self-esteem, growth and provide outlines for changing life situations.

Mental Health 101
Provided through Canadian Mental Health Association to assess mental health situations that arise with clients and how to provide proper resources.


SELF CARE TRAINING

Diploma of Acupuncture
Canadian College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – London  2000

Healing Touch Practitioner – Energy Therapy
American Holistic Nurses Association
Healing Touch Therapy
Canadian Healing Touch Association

Reflexology Training – current
First Aid & CPR – current