Through my work with children, youth and families, I have discovered a passion and eagerness for learning about the impacts that trauma has on child development and the future of our young people As I gain knowledge and understanding of the direct link between trauma and child development, I feel a strong desire to help the children, youth and families in my community who have been impacted by the effects of complex issues relating to addictions, abuse, mental health challenges and violence Since a young age, along with my passion for helping vulnerable children, youth and families, I have had a deep love for time spent outdoors doing activities such as camping, fishing, picnics and road trips My hope is to bring the outdoors into my work with those I support to allow them to create lasting memories that have a meaningful impact
Megan Kearns
Edmonton
Summary
As a professional in the human services sector for the past 10+ years, I have learned to adjust my practice to reflect the unique needs of the children, youth and families that I support. Through a strength-based and trauma informed lens, I am able to demonstrate empathy and compassion in a way that builds resilience and confidence in the individuals and communities I serve.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Reunification Worker
The Family Centre
08.2021 - Current
- Teach and model appropriate, attachment-based parenting and household management skills
- Strengthen relationships by empowering and nurturing the emotional bond between child/youth and their caregivers
- Observe and document family interactions
- Work collaboratively with other professionals on a service team
- Provide a family-oriented environment for parents and their children aged 0-12 yrs
- Work with parents to increase their parenting capacity, while maintaining attachment to their children
Family Capacity Builder
The Family Centre
05.2017 - 08.2021
- Ensure parents have opportunities to actively parent their children while outside of their primary care
- Such as attending doctors or school appointments
- Support parents to learn and practice parenting skills
- Assist families with accessing community resources
- Work with families to address mental health concerns and provide support with addressing addictions
- Monitor and support healthy child development through the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Work directly with adults and children who have been given medical diagnosis' including Autism, FASD, ODD, ADHD, PTSD and Schizophrenia
- Provide support to families while navigating the complex emotions involved with their children being out of their primary care
- Support family time (visits) between parents and children to ensure safety
- Supporting families to create achievable and measurable goals while also keeping them accountable to these goals through follow-up
Family Support Worker
Kids Kottage
01.2016 - 05.2017
- Answer 24 hour crisis phone line
- Support families to set achievable goals and assist them in coming up with a reasonable and appropriate solution/safety plan
- Initiate calls to 9-1-1 and Child and Family Services as required
Program Coach
Ages and Stages Early Learning and Care
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Communicate children's achievements, behaviours and routines to parents daily
- Monitor program/staff performance and recommend modifications
- Assist and mentor educators in Reggio inspired program planning and implementation, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate and encourage growth in all areas of development (SPLICE)
Program Director (Maternity Leave)
Learning Together Outreach Daycare
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Ensuring staff are aware of and adhering to all policies, procedures, licensing and accreditation standards and health regulations
- Provide direct child care when required by ratio
- Oversee parent billing and subsidy
- Address any questions, concerns or disputes by staff or families in a timely and professional manner
- Assist staff with regular program planning and implementation
- Provide staff with regular professional development opportunities
Program Director
Busy Beaver Daycare
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Duties are consistent with previous Program Director experience
Coordinator
Flagstaff Family Day Home Society
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Host monthly day home provider meetings, board meetings and Region 5 meetings
- Assist day home providers in developing routines, provide supervision and training opportunities
- Open and/or terminate day homes when necessary
- Monitor each home monthly to ensure standards are being met
- Issue pay cheques and Accreditation funding monthly
Education
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma - Level 3 Early Learning Supervisor
Lakeland College
Vermilion, Alberta01.2010
High School Diploma -
Forestburg School
Forestburg, AB06-2008
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Relationship building
- Empathy & Compassion
- Objective documentation
- Trauma informed practice
- Strength based approach
- Knowledge of child development
- Capacity building
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture & intergenerational Trauma
- Capacity building
Certification
- First Aid, CPR/AED (2022)
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (2021)
- Aboriginal Awareness Training
- Brain Story Certification (2020)
- Medication Administration Training (2021)
- Fundamentals of Non-Abusive Crisis Intervention & Personal Safety Training
- Food Safety Training
- Omanitew Training - Dr. Leona Makokis & Dr. Ralph Bodor (2018)
- ASQ/ASQ-SE Administration Training
- Loss & Grief
- Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training (2023)
- Working with Complex Needs
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Indigenous Training
- Literacy & the Brain
- Family Violence
- Signs of Safety (SOS)
- Child Development
- Tools for Teaching Parenting
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
- Trauma Informed Care
- Boundaries
- Child Safety Seat Training
- Solution Focused Conversations
- Culturally Sensitive Play
- Health & Nutrition
- Attachment & Trauma
- Resiliency
- Cultural Competence
- Mental Health First Aid
- FASD Prevention
- Response-based Practice with Children, Youth & Families (2023)
Interests
Timeline
Family Reunification Worker
The Family Centre
08.2021 - Current
Family Capacity Builder
The Family Centre
05.2017 - 08.2021
Family Support Worker
Kids Kottage
01.2016 - 05.2017
Program Coach
Ages and Stages Early Learning and Care
01.2015 - 01.2016
Program Director (Maternity Leave)
Learning Together Outreach Daycare
01.2014 - 01.2015
Program Director
Busy Beaver Daycare
01.2012 - 01.2014
Coordinator
Flagstaff Family Day Home Society
01.2011 - 01.2012
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma - Level 3 Early Learning Supervisor
Lakeland College
High School Diploma -
Forestburg School
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