Stephanie Christopher
Toronto,ON
Summary
Experienced professional with over 13 years of experience in the field of accessibility services in post secondary. Masters in Counselling Psychology from Ottawa University. Bachelor of Education from Queens P/J Division. In the process of completing a Gestalt Therapy Certification, as well as Registered Psychotherapist designation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Accessibility Counsellor
York University, Student Accessibility Services
05.2012 - Current
- Identified and provided academic accommodations and supports related to the functional limitations of disability of students registered with Student Accessibility Services.
- Documented and maintained accurate and confidential client case notes that met the required standards of confidentiality and privacy.
- Advocated on behalf of students with faculty and staff to ensure equal access to education.
- Interpreted completed psycho-educational assessments, administered screening assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD and Autism and outsourced assessments in connection with the Regional and Assessment Resource Centre.
- Developed and maintained open and supportive working relationships with students.
- Worked in collaboration with campus resources and community supports to effectively support the needs of students with disabilities registered with SAS.
- Managed a case load of close to 400 students at any given time.
- Educated students on developing skills and competencies such as self advocacy, resourcefulness, resilience and emotional wellness.
- Facilitated and ran mindfulness workshops for students registered with SAS
Gestalt Psychotherapist
Self Employed
03.2020 - Current
- Managed a case load of 5 clients at any given time
- Guided clients in development of self regulation, mindfulness and gestalt therapy techniques.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Offered perspective on effectiveness of treatments concerning conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Student Accommodation Facilitator
The Access Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Ensured that students with learning, medical, and psychological disabilities have the educational accommodations needed to have equal access to education and reduce barriers caused by their disabilities;
- Determined accommodations and supports for students with learning, medical, and psychological disabilities by assessing medical documentation and student situation
- Interpreted completed psycho-educational assessments, administered screening assessments for learning disabilities and outsourced assessments;
- Documented and maintained accurate and confidential client case notes;
- Provided counselling and academic advocacy to students with disabilities and teaching students how to advocate for themselves;
- Educated the TMU community about students with disabilities and the Access Centre by conducting presentations about the Access Centre to TMU staff and faculty and participated in student orientation programs;
- Assisted in development of policies and procedures for dealing with students with disabilities;
- Consulted with professors/staff on issues pertaining to disabilities.
Counselling Intern
The Paul Menton Centre, Carleton University
05.2009 - 12.2009
- Conducted short-term and long-term individual therapy sessions with clients;
- Conducted therapy sessions with cognitive-behavioural therapy, client centered therapy, solution-focused and narrative therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression;
- Advised students on how to improve their academic performance by educating students on time management, stress, exam anxiety, procrastination, exam preparation, note taking and effective reading;
- Carried out pre-screening sessions for students who suspect a learning disability, ADHD or a mental health issue;
- Documented and maintained accurate and confidential client case notes;
- Mentored students in order to contribute to their academic and personal success;
- Provided workshops on issues such as procrastination to university students.
Tutor
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Taught literacy, French and math to children in grades 1, 2 and 3 from my home.
Early Childhood Educator
Barrhaven Child Care Centre
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Worked with children 18 months to 10 years old;
- Assisted in behavioural programs for children with Autism, Aspersers and Conduct Disorder;
- Set behaviour goals with school age classroom through various types of positive behavioural techniques;
- Developed and taught activities which included literacy through music;
- Supervised children on the playground and coached soccer and soccer baseball games;
- Assisted children in potty training and taught children table manners.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON2009
Bachelor of Education -
Queen’s University
Kingston, ON2008
Bachelor of Arts, Honours - Psychology
Trent University
Peterborough, ON2007
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt Institute of Toronto
Toronto, ON06.2024
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in fast paced post secondary atmosphere
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of team or independently
- Excellent organizational, time management and multitasking skills
- Intermediate oral, written and comprehension skills in French language
- Dedicated to learning, training and increasing qualifications
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Excellent Communication
- Self-Motivated
- Case management proficiency
Affiliations
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Nov, 2009
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ottawa, ON
Strengths-based Practice Workshop Oct, 2009
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
Timeline
Gestalt Psychotherapist
Self Employed
03.2020 - Current
Accessibility Counsellor
York University, Student Accessibility Services
05.2012 - Current
Student Accommodation Facilitator
The Access Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University
08.2010 - 05.2012
Counselling Intern
The Paul Menton Centre, Carleton University
05.2009 - 12.2009
Tutor
01.2008 - 01.2009
Early Childhood Educator
Barrhaven Child Care Centre
01.2005 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
University of Ottawa
Bachelor of Education -
Queen’s University
Bachelor of Arts, Honours - Psychology
Trent University
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt Institute of Toronto
Similar Profiles
Sobia KhatoonSobia Khatoon
Off-Site Supervisor at Family Daycare ServicesOff-Site Supervisor at Family Daycare Services
Angelic DiazAngelic Diaz
Student Worker at Student Accessibility Services (SAS)Student Worker at Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
RAPHAELLA ZYMARASRAPHAELLA ZYMARAS
Exam Invigilator at Accommodated Testing Services at University Of Toronto, Accessibility ServicesExam Invigilator at Accommodated Testing Services at University Of Toronto, Accessibility Services