Gillian Axten
Bainville,Canada
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Accessibility and labour unions and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals and progressive change.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Steward
OSPEU Local 417
01.2012 - Current
- Representative for all faculty full and partial load
- Responsible for all internal facing issues including all grievances, and arbitration support
- Co-chair of WMG and of UCC where we attempt to manage workload and other labour disputes before the grievance process
- Accessibility and return to work specialist assisting members who require accommodation or who are returning to work after medical leave
- CESC co-chair working to establish a fair and equitable process for maintaining employment stability
Professor, Arts and Science, Paramedic
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
01.2003 - Current
- Prepared and delivered lectures and exams for the college population in the disciplines of psychology and the social sciences including; Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, and Education of Adult Learners, Personal stress management, entrepreneurship, Career development
- Developed courses and curriculum for Statistics for the Social Sciences, Mental Health and Addiction for paramedics, Sociology of health care in Canada, Cultural Anthropology
Disability and Mental Health Counsellor
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
01.2003 - 01.2012
- Dedicated accessibility counsellor with extensive experience supporting students with disabilities in academic settings
- Skilled in assessing individual needs, determining appropriate accommodations and adaptive technologies, and coordinating support services to ensure an inclusive learning environment
- Experienced in developing and implementing accessibility policies, providing academic and study skills assistance, and collaborating with professors, support staff, and learning coaches to enhance student success
- Adept at securing funding for essential assistive equipment and conducting campus threat assessments to promote a safe and supportive educational experience
- Compassionate and experienced mental health counselor with a strong background in providing individual counseling, crisis intervention, and academic and vocational guidance
- Skilled in assessing student needs, offering personalized support, and implementing strategies to enhance mental well-being and academic success
Personal, Vocational and EAP Counsellor, Trauma Specialist
GILLIAN AXTEN COUNSELLING SERVICES
01.1992 - 01.2005
- Experienced mental health counselor specializing in individual therapy for clients experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, burnout, and depression
- Skilled in providing confidential counseling services, assessing client needs, and implementing personalized short- and long-term psychotherapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and group therapy and psychoeducation
- Experienced in trauma debriefing and crisis intervention, helping individuals process workplace and personal stressors
- Additionally, assessed and guided clients through career transitions due to injury or burnout, working with organizations such as CSST and Great-West Life Insurance to support client reorientation and well-being
Professor, Paralegal and Business Department
O’SULLIVAN COLLEGE
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Prepared and delivered lectures and exams for college students in the disciplines of communication skills, Philosophy, and the Humanities
- My courses covered Ethics, Knowledge, World Views, Multiculturalism, and Interpersonal Skills, providing students with a comprehensive education in these areas
Counselling Department Head
SIR WILFRID LAURIER SCHOOL BOARD
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive career counseling program for students in grades 5-11 across 38 schools, ensuring effective integration of career guidance into the curriculum
- Provided individual and group counseling services in four schools, utilizing a range of counseling techniques to support student development
- Delivered seminars to large groups, fostering career awareness and decision-making skills
- Acted as a liaison between Emploi-Québec and the School Board, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing
- Additionally, provided guidance and supervision to counselors, ensuring best practices in student support and career counseling services
Guidance Counsellor
LAURENTIAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Provided comprehensive guidance and counseling services for a large regional high school, including individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention
- Worked closely with school administration to support student discipline and contribute to policy decisions that promote student well-being
- Served as coordinator and supervisor of the Social Services Group, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of a psychologist, social worker, and educators to ensure effective student support and intervention services
Counsellor - Children and Family Services
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (JFS)
01.1998 - 01.2000
- As an experienced counseling professional, I provided individual, couple, and family counseling services at JFS, a large social service agency serving the Jewish community, offering support in both English and French to individuals facing severe emotional or psychological difficulties
- I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to address the diverse needs of many families, including social and psychiatric services
- Additionally, I delivered guidance counseling services at LA RELANCE, a general adult education school, helping adult learners navigate their educational and personal development
Clinical Director
TRILLIUM FAMILY SERVICES
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Managed the non-profit Young Offenders’ Rehabilitation Program, designing and implementing a community-based treatment model aimed at reducing recidivism
- Provided support to violent, high-risk, and first-time offenders, as well as their families, to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration
- Supervised treatment staff, assigned workloads, and coordinated services to ensure effective intervention
- Maintained regular communication with the courts, providing progress reports on each participant’s development and compliance with the program
Guidance Counsellor
ODYSSEY HIGH SCHOOL
01.1996 - 01.1998
- As a guidance counsellor I provided a full range of guidance counseling services to students aged 15 to 19 in an alternative education setting
- This involved confidentially counseling students with learning, psychological, emotional, and psychiatric difficulties
- Additionally, I assisted students with college, vocational, and educational choices by assessing their interests and abilities, helping them make informed decisions about their futures
Counsellor
LAKESHORE SCHOOL BOARD
01.1991 - 01.1996
- As a Cooperative Education Counsellor, I designed and implemented various programs for children with intellectual or learning disabilities, effectively addressing their unique educational needs
- I assisted students aged 15 to 22 with their integration from high school into the workforce, offering guidance and support for a smooth transition
- Additionally, I taught language and employment skills to students in the John Abbott integration program, where students from the Lester B
- Pearson School Board attend a specialized program at John Abbott College to develop employment skills in a college environment
Education
No Degree - Core Competence in Accessability
IAAP
04-2025
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
McGill University
Montreal, QC09-1992
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McGill University
Montreal, None06-1989
Skills
- Inclusive Learning Design
- Inclusive Workplace Assessment
- Strategic Leadership
- Clear Interpersonal Communication
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Certification
IAAP Core
IAAP accessible documents
DABR
Duty to accommodate 1,2
Health and safety 1,2,3
Steward 1,2,3
Challenging bullying and non-code harassment
Timeline
Chief Steward
OSPEU Local 417
01.2012 - Current
Professor, Arts and Science, Paramedic
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
01.2003 - Current
Disability and Mental Health Counsellor
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
01.2003 - 01.2012
Professor, Paralegal and Business Department
O’SULLIVAN COLLEGE
01.2003 - 01.2004
Counselling Department Head
SIR WILFRID LAURIER SCHOOL BOARD
01.2001 - 01.2003
Guidance Counsellor
LAURENTIAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
01.2000 - 01.2001
Counsellor - Children and Family Services
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (JFS)
01.1998 - 01.2000
Clinical Director
TRILLIUM FAMILY SERVICES
01.1996 - 01.1998
Guidance Counsellor
ODYSSEY HIGH SCHOOL
01.1996 - 01.1998
Personal, Vocational and EAP Counsellor, Trauma Specialist
GILLIAN AXTEN COUNSELLING SERVICES
01.1992 - 01.2005
Counsellor
LAKESHORE SCHOOL BOARD
01.1991 - 01.1996
No Degree - Core Competence in Accessability
IAAP
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
McGill University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McGill University
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