Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Engagement
Accomplishments
Community Engagement & Volunteer
References
Timeline

Steph April

Saskatoon,SK

Summary

I am seeking to apply for the Indigenous Early Childhood Education Instructor position with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology. In addition to holding my Bachelor of Education, as well as six years of experience working in multiple schools with refugee and newcomer students, I bring a strong passion for community engagement and a deep respect for each student’s unique language, traditions, and prior learning and life experiences. As an INECE instructor I would aim to help learners achieve their educational and career goals by recognizing and validating their diverse experiences and knowledge as it aligns within the framework of SIIT’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Labour Relations Officer

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union
  • Co-facilitate adult learning development training on topics such as conflict resolution, harassment, and communication
  • Negotiate collective bargaining agreements, drafting language for agreements and guidelines, drafting contract language and various legal documents
  • Interpret collective agreement language, conduct research, employ problem-solving skills and sound judgement
  • Experience in dispute resolution processes including grievances, mediation, and arbitration
  • Extensive experience as an advocate while maintaining functional relationships with internal and external stakeholders through exceptional communication and relationship building
  • Knowledge of The Saskatchewan Employment Act, OHS (Occupational Health and Safety), WCB (Workers' Compensation Board)
  • Keen interest in staying informed about current issues, policies, and trends within the labor movement and understanding their impact on workers and communities
  • Access, update, and maintain confidential member information and data
  • Demonstrated expertise in aiding workers during conflicts and emotionally charged scenarios
  • Providing strategic advice to members in alignment with best practices
  • Analyze, problem-solve, and find solutions to complex workplace issues while ensuring the emotional and physical safety of members
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and TEAMS
  • Confidence working in an automated office environment utilizing the full features of Microsoft Office 365 to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Settlement Support Worker in Schools

Saskatoon Open Door Society
01.2018 - 10.2023
  • Lead, plan, budget, and execute the Summer Refugee Language Program, designed to assist low-level English-speaking newcomers in their integration process
  • I have experience running summer camps and programming through Zoom
  • Worked in collaboration with the Saskatoon Public School Division and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools to assess student language levels using the Common Framework Reference (CFR) to identify language proficiency levels
  • Refer and support students with exceptionalities, such as autism and ADHD, by attending medical appointments and assisting families in obtaining medical diagnoses for educational purposes
  • Deliver prompt intervention during crisis situations using a Trauma-Informed Care approach
  • This includes connecting clients with accessible community resources, referring them to relevant programs or professional service providers, advocating for their needs, and engaging in collaborative case management
  • Maintaining detailed case documentation and exchanging client information during case management consultations
  • Proficiently utilize software client data entry tools such as simpleCTS, iCARE
  • Conduct client follow ups while building upon the foundation established during the initial consultation
  • Assist refugee and immigrant students and their families with school related and cultural issues by providing connection to education, community services, counseling, and by coordinating the integration of these services.

Youth Worker

EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre)
07.2013 - 12.2020
  • Supported predominantly Indigenous youth and adults in addressing a range of challenges, including education, employment, healthcare, substance abuse, and mental health issues
  • Conducted client-centered case planning, developed safety plans, and performed risk assessments, creating tailored strategies to address individual needs and ensure client safety and well being, all while maintaining strict confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
  • Provided essential services to at-risk youth in Saskatoon, with a focus on empowering and supporting them to make choices that improve their quality of life
  • Collaborated closely with Saskatoon Police and Mobile Crisis to ensure comprehensive support for the youth population
  • Demonstrated proficiency in database management, ensuring accurate and organized records of client information.

Education

Professional A Teaching Certificate -

Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board

Bachelor of Education -

University of Saskatchewan
01.2016

Skills

  • Multicultural Communications
  • Presentation Materials
  • Report Writing
  • Data Entry
  • Decision-Making

Community Engagement

  • OHC(OHS) Level 1 - 2018
  • OHC(OHS) Level 2 - 2018
  • Bridging Two Worlds: Supporting Newcomer & Refugee Youth - 2018
  • Effective Life Skills: Empowering Youth for Success - 2018
  • Dealing with Difficult People - 2018
  • Considerations for Work with LGBTQ+ Newcomers - 2018
  • Safe Talk Training - 2018
  • Violence Threat Risk Assessment’ Level 1 - 2019
  • Trauma Informed Practices in the Classroom, Ministry of Education - 2019
  • Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Course – The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – 25 hours

Accomplishments

  • Young Workers Forum Co-Panelist– 2022
  • Action Café: How to act: Steps to campaign on issues you care about.
  • Speaker - Young Workers Digital Webinar – 2021
  • Presented on Young Workers and precarious workplace challenges.
  • Steward Forum Appreciation Winner – 2020
  • Acknowledgment for providing assistance and advocacy on behalf of members.

Community Engagement & Volunteer

  • Community Engagement Volunteer - Teacher in Mexico, 2013-01-01, 2013-12-31, Taught in government and public schools throughout Mexico, as well as migrant camps, preparing structured, curriculum-focused lesson plans., Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of students while upholding high ethical standards., Efficiently utilized the resources of local educational institutes and community resources to offer an enriching learning experience to students., Worked with at-risk women and youth, including children escaping sex trade, violence, and drug trade.
  • Community Engagement Volunteer - Girls Rock Camp, 2023-01-01, Current, Modelled using music as a vehicle to fight gender discrimination and social injustice., Co-created a safe space for growth, learning, and positive relationships for girls, women, transgender, two-spirit, and gender expansive youth via consistent mentorship and shared leadership.
  • Community Engagement Volunteer - Girl Guides of Canada, 2023-01-01, Current, Support through weekly planning and lead activities for girls ages 7-8., Identify what badges to work on; science, art studio, discoveries, mental health., Mentor from a position of empathy and curiosity, using a strength-based approach to improve participants’ individual sense of intellectual, social and emotional competence., Built on the unique perspective of music held by each participant to incorporate their culture, traditional language(s) and prior learning wherever possible., Integrated constructive resolution methodologies into daily problem-solving, Maximized inclusivity, positivity, and the support of diversity through numerous outdoor learning opportunities

References

Alicia Painchaud-Redekop

English as an Additional Language Teacher, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

306-260-8908


Kevin Glass

Labour Relations Officer, Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union.

306-227-3195


Carrie Klassen

Training and Development Specialist, Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union.

639-470-3224


Dipa Bharadwaj

Corporate Member Labour Relations Advisor, RCMP.

306-807-7385

Timeline

Settlement Support Worker in Schools - Saskatoon Open Door Society
01.2018 - 10.2023
Youth Worker - EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre)
07.2013 - 12.2020
Labour Relations Officer - The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union
Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board - Professional A Teaching Certificate,
University of Saskatchewan - Bachelor of Education,
Steph April