Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Publications
Timeline
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Cara Coulson

Oshawa,Canada

Summary

Experienced adult educator, certified coach, and training facilitator with a decade of experience in designing and delivering inclusive, evidence-informed programs in education and community sectors. Proven leader in fostering learning cultures that promote staff development, well-being, and organizational excellence. Committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and community belonging in alignment with the Region of Durham’s strategic pillars. Skilled in managing group dynamics to foster effective learning, utilizing excellent communication to facilitate understanding and engagement. Track record of creating structured, impactful workshops that achieve desired outcomes. Focus on team collaboration with proven adaptability to changing needs. Reliable in creating impactful solutions through effective communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Specializing in fostering positive work environments and providing optimal results.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Family Facilitator

Durham Family Resources and Support
01.2021 - Current
  • - Delivered individualized planning and inclusive service navigation for families supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • - Supported families with disabilities access accommodation, navigate and write grant applications, and access to regional supports.
  • - Developed and delivered workshops on inclusion, advocacy, and mindfulness rooted in Social Role Valorization.
  • - Served on the Racial and Social Justice Committee, advancing equity across the organization.
  • - Maintained detailed records and compliance with MFIPPA and PHIPA standards.
  • - Collaborated across teams and service sectors to strengthen service coordination and improve family outcomes.
  • - Promoted community belonging by helping families establish meaningful, long-term roles in society.

Mindfulness Life Coach

Pearl Mindfulness Education with Psychology for Growth
01.2016 - 01.2024
  • - Created and led training programs on trauma, anxiety reduction, and emotional regulation for youth and adults.
  • - Applied mindfulness, Positive Intelligence, and DBT in individual and group coaching sessions.
  • - Provided crisis support to clients and maintained confidential clinical records per MFIPPA/PHIPA.
  • - Supported clients in WSIB-related recovery with supervision from a licensed psychologist.
  • - Aligned training practices with abilities management, workplace accommodation, and resilience-building.
  • (part-time)

Part-Time Instructor

Faculty of Liberal Studies, Durham College
01.2012 - 01.2023
  • - Delivered over 100 sections of full-semester courses including Stress, Wellness & Nutrition, Children’s Literature, and Intro to Psychology.
  • - Designed inclusive curriculum using adult learning theory, learning analytics, and differentiated instruction.
  • - Supported student achievement with trauma-informed approaches and deep awareness of mental health needs.
  • - Maintained academic and training records in compliance with public sector standards.
  • - Demonstrated commitment to municipal innovation by modernizing learning delivery and outcomes.

Education

Master of Education - Adult Learning & Instructional Design

Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature & Psychology

Trent University

Skills

  • - Adult Learning & Curriculum Development
  • - Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
  • - LTC Compliance & Regulatory Training
  • - DEI & Social Role Valorization Practices
  • - Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
  • Expertise in accommodating diverse needs
  • Program assessment and strategy
  • Records management expertise in MFIPPA and PHIPA
  • Innovative community initiatives
  • Performance enhancement coaching
  • Strategic planning
  • Facilitation techniques
  • Staff management
  • Community outreach

Certification

  • - Professional Certified Coach (ICF)
  • - Certified Professional Coach – International Coach Academy
  • - Conscious Care and Support – University of Toronto
  • - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills – Dr. Marsha Linehan
  • - Social Role Valorization – Durham Family Resources
  • - Positive Intelligence (PQ) – Shirzad Chamine
  • - Koru Mindfulness Instructor – Harvard/Centre for Koru
  • - Mental Health First Aid – Durham College
  • - Human Resources I – Durham Continuing Education
  • - Registered Yoga Teacher (200hr) – Yoga Alliance

Publications

  • - Journal of Scientific Psychology, 2023: “Predictors of Liking Pineapple on Pizza: Implications for Food Choices”
  • - M.Ed. Capstone Research: Mindfulness-based anxiety reduction among Ontario post-secondary students
  • - Pilot Project – Durham Family Resources: Evaluating mindfulness training outcomes for families navigating disability systems

Timeline

Family Facilitator

Durham Family Resources and Support
01.2021 - Current

Mindfulness Life Coach

Pearl Mindfulness Education with Psychology for Growth
01.2016 - 01.2024

Part-Time Instructor

Faculty of Liberal Studies, Durham College
01.2012 - 01.2023

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature & Psychology

Trent University

Master of Education - Adult Learning & Instructional Design

Central Michigan University
Cara Coulson