Serena Bourget
Cornwall,ON
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate human services professional with a strong foundation in student support, and psychosocial services, backed by a Bachelor of Arts Honour's Degree in Psychology, Social Services Worker Diploma, and Personal Support Worker Certificate. Over a decade of experience providing person-centered care and support to diverse populations, including youth, adults, and seniors, in clinical, community, and educational settings. Proven ability to build rapport with vulnerable individuals, assess needs, and implement individualized support plans. Experience includes leadership roles as a Dual Credit Facilitator, Academic Upgrading & Student Support Liaison, Residential Counsellor, Personal Support Worker, and student placements in mental health and social services. Skilled in crisis intervention, documentation, advocacy, and fostering inclusive, trauma-informed environments that promote student engagement, well-being, and academic success. A collaborative team player committed to equity, empowerment, and holistic support.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Upgrading & Student Support Liaison
St. Lawrence College
02.2025 - Current
- Conducts intake assessments to identify academic readiness, social needs, and barriers impacting learner success
- Develops individualized student success plans focused on both educational and personal development goals
- Provides holistic support to learners facing challenges such as housing insecurity, mental health concerns, poverty, or prior school disengagement
- Connect students with appropriate community resources including counseling, food security, legal aid, and crisis intervention services
- Build trusting, trauma-informed relationships to encourage resilience and confidence in returning to education
- Supports transitions to secondary school completion, career training, or postsecondary education
- Collaborates with faculty, internal departments, and external agencies
- Promotes equity and inclusion by creating safe, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning environments
Part Time Professor - Faculty of PSI
St. Lawrence College
09.2022 - Current
- Teach General Education courses including Wellness and Personal Stress Management to students enrolled in a wide range of college programs (e.g., Health, Trades, Business, and Community Services).
- Design inclusive course content that addressed diverse student needs and focused on building transferable life skills such as self-awareness, time management, emotional regulation, and coping strategies.
- Create interactive lessons, real-life case studies, and reflective assignments to encourage personal growth and practical application of wellness concepts across disciplines.
- Fosters a supportive, student-centered classroom environment that encouraged open dialogue, peer connection, and trust—particularly important for students balancing academics with personal and professional responsibilities.
- Monitors student engagement, provided one-on-one academic support, and referred students to college resources such as counseling, tutoring, and accessibility services as needed.
- Collaborates with colleagues and college departments to align course delivery with institutional priorities related to student well-being and success.
Part Time Professor - Faculty of Allied Health
St. Lawrence College
08.2022 - Current
- Teach Developmental Psychology and Developmental Health to students in the Personal Support Worker Program, with a strong emphasis on human development across the lifespan and its relevance to client-centered care.
- Creates and deliver original course content, including lectures, activities, and multimedia materials to accommodate various learning styles.
- Designs and evaluated assignments, quizzes, and exams to assess both theoretical understanding and practical application.
- Provides individualized academic guidance and mentorship to support student success, particularly for those facing personal or learning challenges.
- Promotes inclusive classroom practices and facilitated discussions that encouraged critical thinking, empathy, and interpersonal growth.
Program Evaluator
Trent University
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Contributed to the evaluation and enhancement of course content and program modules for a post-graduate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) program designed for healthcare providers, ensuring alignment with inclusive education practices and the diverse needs of learners.
Dual Credit Facilitator - Tri-Campus
St. Lawrence College
04.2022 - 02.2025
- Provided academic, emotional, and transitional support to high school students participating in Dual Credit, SWAC (School Within a College), and OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) initiatives
- Collaborated with 7 school boards
- Responsible for over 1100 Dual Credit/OYAP/SWAC students in academic year
- Built strong mentoring relationships to support at-risk youth in navigating high school completion and postsecondary transitions
- Advocated for students facing challenges such as anxiety, learning difficulties, poverty, and disengagement from school
- Coordinated with board assigned dual credit teachers, guidance counselors, college faculty, parents/guardians
- Supported SWAC students adapting to a college environment and OYAP participants through apprenticeship registration, ensured student success with wrap around supports
- Planned and facilitated student orientation sessions—both on campus and virtually—for every semester to foster engagement and preparedness
- Led course planning, scheduling, student registration, and intake processes each term across all program streams
- Managed program input sheets, coordinated term activations, and maintained up-to-date tracking of student progress and attendance
- Issued student acceptance letters, faculty Letters of Offer, and completed Employment Authorization Forms
- Responsible for entering, maintaining, and submitting all reporting data to Ministry through EDCS
- Ensured program compliance with all Ministry requirements and deadlines, and supported curriculum planning with college departments
Residential Counsellor
Maison Baldwin House
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Supported vulnerable individuals—many with complex emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs—in high-pressure crisis situations, providing trauma-informed care and consistent emotional support.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans to address clients' immediate and long-term goals—similar to academic support plans used in student success programming.
- Conducted structured intakes and exit planning, assessing strengths and needs while coordinating appropriate internal and external support services.
- Provided one-on-one informal counseling to help clients overcome barriers to personal growth, safety, and independence—skills readily transferable to supporting students facing academic or personal challenges.
- Acted as an advocate, liaising with community resources (housing, education, legal, mental health), mirroring the support coordination role of a Student Support Worker in connecting students to school and external services.
- Facilitated conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and behavior de-escalation within a communal setting, promoting respect, inclusivity, and personal accountability—skills applicable to managing classroom or peer dynamics.
- Maintained accurate, confidential case notes and documentation aligned with professional standards—parallel to school-based recordkeeping and reporting protocols.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, empathy, and strong interpersonal communication in all client interactions, fostering trust and empowerment in diverse populations.
Resident Care Aide - Dementia Unit
St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre - LTC
04.2016 - 01.2021
- Provided compassionate, person-centered care to 30 female residents with dementia, demonstrating empathy, patience, and respect in a high-needs environment—skills transferable to supporting vulnerable or at-risk students.
- Redirected responsive and challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques and a trauma-informed approach, fostering a calm and safe environment—similar to addressing behavioral issues in a school setting.
- Supported residents with personal care, palliative care, feeding assistance, and mobility, while promoting dignity and independence—experience that parallels supporting students with diverse physical and developmental needs.
- Accurately documented daily care, behavioral observations, nutritional intake, and output using PointClickCare software—reflecting strong attention to detail, recordkeeping, and reporting, essential for student support documentation.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams including RPNs, RNs, Occupational Therapists, Nutritionist, Doctor's, Nurse Practitioner's and family members to develop and communicate individualized care approaches—mirroring collaboration with teachers, parents, and support staff in educational settings.
- Followed all safety and infection control protocols, and received training in mechanical lifts and transfers—demonstrating accountability, adaptability, and professionalism in regulated environments.
Social Service Worker - Student Placement
Cornwall Community Hospital
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Shadowed a registered Social Worker on an inpatient mental health unit, gaining practical experience in psychosocial support, needs assessment, and discharge planning—skills directly applicable to supporting students with complex personal or academic needs.
- Conducted one-on-one interactions with patients, providing active listening and informal support while documenting progress notes reviewed and approved by the supervising Social Worker.
- Participated in care planning groups and multidisciplinary team meetings, collaborating with psychiatrists and other professionals—similar to working with teachers, guidance staff, and families to develop and monitor student support plans.
- Supported patients through structured care group sessions, gaining experience in group facilitation, peer interaction support, and managing group dynamics—skills useful in school-based wellness, social skills, or peer mentoring programs.
- Took part in Family Meetings alongside the Social Worker and psychiatrist, contributing to collaborative care decisions—paralleling the involvement of families in student success planning.
- Observed medical and financial competency/capacity hearings and attended hospital ethics meetings, developing a deeper understanding of client rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries—all of which are essential in working with students in educational settings.
- Managed time effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency, complexity, or customer expectations.
Case Worker - Student Placement
Ontario Disability Support Program
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Shadowed Case Workers, Administrative Support Clerks, and Managers within a social services setting, gaining comprehensive insight into policy, directives, and legislative frameworks—useful in understanding the systemic barriers students may face.
- Gained hands-on experience with the SAMS system, including registering clients, recording income, and creating service provider profiles—developing strong administrative and digital recordkeeping skills essential for student support coordination.
- Assisted with a client fraud investigation, learning to apply critical thinking, discretion, and procedural rigor—skills transferable to school-based assessments and ensuring accurate support documentation.
- Performed front desk duties, including greeting clients, answering phone lines, registering individuals into the system, and managing documentation—demonstrating excellent communication, organizational, and client service skills.
- Participated in financial operations at the Cheque Desk, learning procedures related to issuing payments—developing an understanding of financial support systems relevant to students and families in need.
- Collaborated on a group awareness project for the ODSP Client Advisory Group to strengthen service delivery through client feedback—mirroring efforts to improve school support programs based on student voice and engagement.
- Took initiative in organizing a fundraising bake sale in support of the United Way; contacted 17 partner agencies, managed logistics, coordinated volunteers, and handled sales—demonstrating leadership, event coordination, and community engagement.
Patient Care Aid - Complex Continuing Care
St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre - CCC
04.2010 - 12.2015
- Provided personal care and daily living support to patients recovering from rehabilitation, managing complex medical needs, and receiving palliative care—demonstrating adaptability and compassion in high-needs environments.
- Assisted with feeding, hygiene, and mobility, using mechanical lifts and transfer techniques while ensuring dignity and safety—skills transferable to supporting students with physical disabilities or medical conditions in school settings.
- Maintained detailed documentation using PointClickCare, including behavioral observations, daily outputs, and care delivery—highlighting strong recordkeeping and reporting practices aligned with educational support protocols.
- Collaborated with RPNs and interdisciplinary teams to monitor patient well-being and respond to changes—paralleling teamwork with educators, families, and support staff in student support planning.
- Delivered consistent emotional and practical support to patients and families during times of vulnerability—reflecting the empathy, patience, and communication skills essential for building trust with students facing academic or personal challenges.
Personal Support Worker
Paramed Home Health
04.2010 - 12.2015
- Provided in-home support to clients across the lifespan, including children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors—demonstrating adaptability, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with individuals of varying developmental stages and needs.
- Assisted with medication reminders, palliative care, physiotherapy exercises (as per individualized plans), and meal preparation—experience that translates to supporting students with medical needs, mobility challenges, or sensory processing concerns.
- Maintained accurate daily documentation and reported observations to supervisors—demonstrating accountability, attention to detail, and familiarity with professional reporting practices essential for school-based support.
- Performed light housekeeping and promoted safe, supportive home environments—skills transferable to maintaining structured, inclusive spaces conducive to student learning and well-being.
- Managed independent scheduling, distance tracking, and travel logs across multiple client locations—showcasing time management, organizational skills, and reliability in autonomous work settings.
- Fostered strong communication and trust with clients and families from diverse backgrounds, aligning with the relational and collaborative nature of student support work in educational settings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honours - Psychology
Carleton University
Ottawa, ON08-2023
Diploma - Social Service Worker Program
St. Lawrence College
Cornwall, ON04-2020
Certificate - Personal Support Worker
St. Matthew's Catholic School, Adult & Continuing
Cornwall, ON06-2008
High School Diploma -
St. Matthew's Catholic School, Adult & Continuing
Cornwall, ON06-2008
Skills
- Student Advocacy & Support: Skilled in assessing individual needs, developing personalized service plans, and providing emotional and crisis intervention support to students with diverse academic, social, and mental health challenges
- Effective Communication: Strong ability to build trusting relationships through active listening, empathy, and clear communication with students, families, educators, and community partners
- Behavior Management: Experienced in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and promoting positive behaviors in high-stress or crisis situations
- Administrative & Documentation: Proficient in maintaining accurate, confidential records, progress notes, and case files using digital systems
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and families to coordinate comprehensive student support
- Trauma-Informed Care: Knowledgeable in trauma-informed approaches and maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions
- Organizational Skills: Adept at managing time efficiently, multitasking in fast-paced environments, and independently managing responsibilities including travel and scheduling
- Personal Qualities: Compassionate, patient, culturally sensitive, adaptable, and committed to promoting inclusive, respectful learning environments
- Crisis Response: Experienced in providing immediate intervention and support during student crises, ensuring safety and appropriate follow-up
- Community Resource Navigation: Skilled in connecting students and families to external resources and support services to enhance overall well-being and success
- Group Facilitation: Capable of organizing and leading group sessions or workshops aimed at skill-building, socialization, and peer support
Languages
English
Certification
- Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
- Positive Space Training
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
- Naloxone Training
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
- Safe Lifting & Transfer Training
- WHMIS & Infection Control
- AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) – Customer Service Standards
- IASR (Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation) – Training on the Human Rights Code
- Bill 168 – Workplace Violence and Harassment
- College Sexual Assault/Sexual Violence Policy
- WHMIS 2015 Including GHS for Workers and Supervisors
- Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training for Workers
Timeline
Program Evaluator
Trent University
04.2025 - 05.2025
Academic Upgrading & Student Support Liaison
St. Lawrence College
02.2025 - Current
Part Time Professor - Faculty of PSI
St. Lawrence College
09.2022 - Current
Part Time Professor - Faculty of Allied Health
St. Lawrence College
08.2022 - Current
Dual Credit Facilitator - Tri-Campus
St. Lawrence College
04.2022 - 02.2025
Residential Counsellor
Maison Baldwin House
01.2022 - 07.2022
Social Service Worker - Student Placement
Cornwall Community Hospital
01.2020 - 03.2020
Case Worker - Student Placement
Ontario Disability Support Program
09.2019 - 12.2019
Resident Care Aide - Dementia Unit
St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre - LTC
04.2016 - 01.2021
Patient Care Aid - Complex Continuing Care
St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre - CCC
04.2010 - 12.2015
Personal Support Worker
Paramed Home Health
04.2010 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Arts Honours - Psychology
Carleton University
Diploma - Social Service Worker Program
St. Lawrence College
Certificate - Personal Support Worker
St. Matthew's Catholic School, Adult & Continuing
High School Diploma -
St. Matthew's Catholic School, Adult & Continuing
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