Carolyn Laing
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dedicated professional committed to enhancing student success and development through innovative support strategies. Passionate about creating equitable learning environments and advocating for the diverse needs of all students. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, implement tailored accommodation plans and cultivate trusting relationships with students and colleagues.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic, Career & Personal Coach
Blue Core Coaching
01.2011 - Current
- Works with youth facing a range of learning and mental health challenges to optimize personal growth using a strengths- based approach.
- Helps clients navigate high school course planning, post-secondary program options, applications and career preparation.
- Administers and interprets psychometric assessments including; Meyers Briggs and Strong Interest Inventory to assist clients in career exploration process.
- Boosts client motivation levels through consistent encouragement, acknowledgement of achievements and celebration of milestone accomplishments.
- Maintains detailed records of client sessions, tracking progress over time for continuous improvement in service delivery.
Counsellor
Integrate Health Services
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided individual counseling sessions to children and youth diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders and on the Autism spectrum.
- Reviewed all psychological testing and psychoeducational assessment results in preparation for intake sessions.
- Conferred with multi-disciplinary team (Physicians, Psychologists, school Social Workers) to ensure a comprehensive approach to client care.
- Advocated for client access to funded community resources, expanding support systems and overall well-being.
- Facilitated psychoeducational sessions for parents to enhance their understanding of their child's unique mental health/ learning needs.
School Counsellor (Masters Program Practicum)
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided short-term counselling to Grade 7 students facing a range of learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
- Reviewed student psychoeducational assessment results and IEPs to determine tailored recommendations and strategies for intervention and support.
- Partnered with faculty to promote inclusive learning environments through shared understanding of student challenges.
- Facilitated weekly group sessions for newcomer students and organized international student celebration events.
Student Success Advisor
Fanshawe College
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Provided one-to-one guidance to students with respect to all academic program needs (program requirements, course progression, policies).
- Worked with Accessibility counsellors to review all assessments and accommodation plans including the use of assistive technologies.
- Created individualized academic plans to suit the unique learning, mental health and physical needs of each student.
- Engaged faculty in dialogue to align academic strategies with individual support plans.
- Connected students to internal and external resources such as; peer tutoring and note-takers.
Mentoring for Success Coordinator
Fanshawe College
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Successfully matched over 100 international and domestic students with Alumni mentors.
- Oversaw the marketing, development and evaluation of the program.
- Coached mentees and mentors on setting achievable learning goals and building strong partnerships.
- Facilitated career development events on topics such as; networking and professionalism.
Human Resources Advisor
Siemens VDO
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Designated liaison between Human Resources and Manufacturing with regards to all employee relations issues.
- Conducted all recruiting, training and evaluations for student placements.
- Appointed London Communications Representative for Siemens VDO international.
- Spearheaded annual United Way Fundraising campaigns to promote employee engagement.
Social Programs Coordinator
Boys’ & Girls’ Club of London
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Oversaw Social and Inclusion Programs for children with special needs. Supervised 12 staff.
- Worked one-to-one with children diagnosed with ADHD and on the Autism Spectrum.
- Developed workshops on topics such as; emotion regulation and building positive relationships.
- Created Annual Holiday Party for over 100 children, their families, staff and board members to foster community.
Employment Specialist
Lead's Employment Services
01.2002 - 08.2002
- Supported youth with intellectual disabilities in developing pre-employment and life skills.
- Collaborated with local businesses to identify workforce needs and create job opportunities.
- Provided on site personalized job coaching for each youth client.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
The Wright Institute
Berkeley, California11-2018
French Diploma -
Université De Droit, Économie & Sciences
Aix-En-Provence, France06-1999
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia06-1998
Skills
- Building rapport
- Client advocacy
- Written and verbal communication
- Problem solving
Timeline
Counsellor
Integrate Health Services
01.2020 - 01.2022
School Counsellor (Masters Program Practicum)
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
01.2017 - 01.2018
Academic, Career & Personal Coach
Blue Core Coaching
01.2011 - Current
Student Success Advisor
Fanshawe College
01.2011 - 01.2016
Mentoring for Success Coordinator
Fanshawe College
01.2007 - 01.2011
Human Resources Advisor
Siemens VDO
01.2004 - 01.2006
Employment Specialist
Lead's Employment Services
01.2002 - 08.2002
Social Programs Coordinator
Boys’ & Girls’ Club of London
01.2002 - 01.2004
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
The Wright Institute
French Diploma -
Université De Droit, Économie & Sciences
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Dalhousie University
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Anxiety- Practical Intervention Strategies CTRI (2021)
- SafeTALK Certified Trainer Living Works (2019)
- Crisis Counselling MLK Jr. Middle School (2018)
- Mental Health Awareness Training Fanshawe College (2015)
- Sexual Diversity Training Fanshawe College (2014)
- Certified Myers Briggs Type 2 Indicator Practitioner Psychometrics Canada (2011)
- Certified Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner Psychometrics Canada (2011)