Katherine for SD73

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  I am a clinical counsellor who has worked with children, youth and families for 20 years. I grew up in Kamloops (go Whundas!) and I have a 16-year-old daughter who will also be a Westsyde graduate in two years. I am passionate about the health and well-being of our community. I have volunteered my time with the Roots of Empathy program in schools and the Journey Fund for parents dealing with trauma.

I come from a family of teachers. My sister teaches at the same elementary school we both attended (waaaaay back) and my father is a retired Kamloops elementary school principal, curriculum developer and teacher practicum supervisor. I have been contracted to provide trainings and workshops to teachers and mental health clinicians on understanding, working with, and teaching, complex children and youth.

Having worked in both the public (provincial government Child and Youth Mental Health) and private sector as a clinical counsellor and supervisor, I have collaborated extensively with the school district - working to find solutions for kids who were struggling with myriad issues. I know what it means to work within financial and bureaucratic constraints while addressing multiple needs and perspectives. I appreciate the need for communication, collaboration and creative thinking.  I am not afraid to hold others accountable, but I also give credit when it is due.

 For 15 of my 20 years in clinical practice, one of my primary responsibilities has been to listen and understand the children, youth and families of this community.  

Our world has changed very quickly. I know firsthand what our youth are dealing with right now AND I understand how classrooms have changed for teachers and support staff over the last decade. I help clients embrace their strengths and adapt to change and I want to bring this perspective to the table.  

I believe that, in a world of soundbites and media echo chambers, listening and understanding is needed more than ever to ensure that the Kamloops of the future is a strong community composed of adults who were well supported, educated and included in the schools of their youth.

Protect essential classroom resources:

We need to safeguard the district budget to protect vital student services, including learning assistance teachers (LATs), educational assistants, mental health supports and rich specialized programming, such as music and the arts.

Strong advocacy in Victoria:

The  board of education must press the provincial government to provide the capital investment and operating funding needed to serve SD73's growing and geographically extensive district.

Equity across a vast district: 

We need to ensure equitable access to services and educational opportunities for all our students across a school district that is similar to Belgium in geographical area, while respecting the distinct needs of both our urban and rural learning communities.

Continue to meet the needs of Indigenous learners:

It is important the we advance reconciliation by supporting the board in its commitment to increase Indigenous graduation rates by continuing to work closely with community and the Indigenous Education Department.

Safety and mental health: 

We must integrate trauma-informed approaches and robust support frameworks into district decision-making to better meet the needs of neurodiverse learners, vulnerable children, and those impacted by trauma and discrimination. 

Partner with community: 

We should expand our community partnerships to address unique gaps, provide creative learning opportunities, and facilitate child, youth and family engagement.