curriculum vitae

 

 

Table of Contents:

Education

2003 - 2004
University of Victoria, Concentration in Social Studies/History and Bachelor of Education Post-Degree Professional Program, with two teaching areas (English and Social Studies/History) at the Senior Secondary School level. (Completed all but a six-week practicum for a Bachelor of Education degree, as well as extra credit for a possible Master of Education degree).

2000 - 2003
University of Victoria, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Writing, Literary Fiction Major).

1997 - 2000
University of Victoria, Bachelor of Arts degree (English Literature Major, Arts of Canada Minor).

1971 - 1972
North Island Senior Secondary School, Dogwood Diploma (Academic Technical Program completed with Arts Specialty), British Columbia Department of Education.

Note: I was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia and completed all of my schooling here, other than taking grade eleven at Salmon Arm Senior Secondary High School, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, while living in Sicamous, British Columbia (1970 - 1971); and grade twelve in Port McNeill, British Columbia, while living in Alert Bay, British Columbia (1971 - 1972).

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Work Experience

April 2008 - present
Specialized Family Care Home: Level Three Caregiver, with the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Foster Care in British Columbia program, occasionally accepting contracts (all levels) to provide specialized teaching, supervision, and temporary care, for children and youth with diverse needs.

May 2007 - present
Private Writing Instructor (literary and academic), providing on-going, weekly one-to-one instruction for University of Victoria student(s) learning the art of literary fiction and academic writing.

May 2007 - April 2008
Bindery Person, at Westside Instaprint, 2811 Jacklin Road, Langford, BC, 250-478-5533, working occasionally, when needed, to complete various bindery assignments. Westside Instaprint provides fast service and quality printing to accommodate tight deadlines.

November 2006 - April 2008
Specialized Family Care Home: Level Two Caregiver, with the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Foster Care in British Columbia program, occasionally accepting contracts to provide specialized teaching, supervision, and temporary care, for children with physical, mental, behavioural, or emotional needs.

2005 - present
Literary Writer, working on my collection of short stories, as much as I can, while doing some consulting, editing, ethnographic field work, private teaching and tutoring, storytelling, and writing a weekly column (April 2007 to April 2008).

2002 - 2004
Tutor (English, Writing, Social Studies/History), through the University of Victoria's Career Services Tutor Registry.

1999 - 2004
Editor Assistant, at the Malahat Review, which is a literary journal published by the University of Victoria, through the Work/Study Program. My responsibilities included tracking manuscripts, coordinating promotion of events, and assisting with edition mail outs. I also worked on a project to record data in order to create an online index of all of the Malahat Review editions dating back to 1967. In order to begin this project, I attended "Excel: the Basics" and "Excel: Advanced" workshops in July 2003, through the University of Victoria's Computing Education Programmes, Education Services Group, Computing User Services.

June 1990 - October 1990
Temporary Teacher Aide VI, for Sooke School District 62. I filled a short-termed position to assist a moderately mentally handicapped eleven-year-old boy (Down's Syndrome) while he was being temporarily integrated into a grade three class at John Stubb's School.

1988 - 1997
Private Respite and Long Term Caregiver, for adults with diverse needs, including palliative care.

1985 - 1999
Respite Caregiver for Children with Special Needs, through Provincial Government contracts, as well as contracts with Community Options for Children and Families and the Vancouver Neurological Centre. I provided specialized care services for children with special needs in my own home, over periods of weekends and vacations, or as otherwise required, while working collaboratively with their parents and relatives, social workers, teachers, physicians, and Hospice nurses. In order to qualify for this work, I completed the five-week Foster Parent Orientation Course, through the Ministry of Human Resources (1984); became a regular foster parent for one year, while volunteering at the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children and G. R. Pearkes Centre for Children. During this same period, I completed the "Feeding Orientation for Children with Special Needs" course, through the Queen Alexandra Hospital (1984). After this, I also took several upgrading courses including Emergency Child Care and CPR, through The Canadian Red Cross Society (1990); "Helping Natural Families" and "Working Together Works Better", through the Greater Victoria Foster Parent Association and Ministry of Human Resources (1995); "Values and Methods For Living with Handicapped People", a twenty-hour course through the Glendale Lodge Society (1986); "Community Plans for People Moving Out of Institutions", through Community Options for Children's and Families Society (1989); "Challenge of Discipline", through the Ministry of Social Services and Housing (1986); "Sexuality and People with Disabilities" through Community Options for Children and Families Society (1991); "Sexual Abuse and Children With Disabilities" through the Victoria Child Sexual Abuse Society (1993); "Emergency First Aid and C.P.R. level 'A'" through The Canadian Red Cross Society (1993); and "Working Across Differences: Ways of Knowing", through the South Island Foster Parent Associations (1996). In October 1999, the Province of British Columbia, Ministry for Children and Family Development presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation and pin, in recognition of my fifteen years of service to foster children.

1984 - 1985
Foster Parent, through the Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Human Resources. I was a foster parent to a thirteen-year-old boy, until this placement came to a natural end. After this, I became a contracted Ministry of Human Resources Special Care Home and Respite Caregiver. In order to qualify as a foster parent, I completed the Ministry of Human Resources' five-week Foster Parent Orientation Course. In October 1999, the Province of British Columbia, Ministry for Children and Family Development presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation and pin, in recognition of my fifteen years of service to foster children.

1974 - 1984
Medical Claims Adjudicator and Alternate Supervisor, including staff training, at the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. My responsibilities included assessing and processing payment for insured physician services rendered inside and outside the Province of British Columbia, in accordance with the Medical Services Act, related regulations and policy, and application of the Schedule of Costs. I was required to obtain and calculate foreign exchange; research and translate claims; write letters; answer telephone and public queries; and to act as an alternate supervisor which included training and appraising employees; maintaining records; and attending administrative business meetings, such as sessions requiring my input into the development of a new computer program. I completed the eighteen-month adjudication training program which involved working in several departments and completing a course in Medical Terminology, through the Public Service Commission (1974). I also took the Pre-Supervision for Support Staff course, through the Public Service Commission (1980).

First job after graduating from high school

1972 -1974
Waitress, at Paul's Motor Inn Restaurant, Victoria, British Columbia

Summer and part-time jobs while going to high school, from grade 9 to 12

1971 - 1972
Sales Clerk and Assistant, part-time, at "Diane's Dress Shop and Hair Salon", Alert Bay, British Columbia

Summer 1971
Chambermaid at Eagle View Motel, Sicamous, British Columbia

Summer 1969, 1970, and 1972
Bus Girl and Dishwasher, at Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town, Revelstoke, British Columbia

September 1968 - December 1968
Babysitter through Babysitting, Incorporated, Sidney, British Columbia. My responsibilities included babysitting and preparing supper for three children every evening, after school, and on weekends.

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Civic Duty

Statistics Canada
Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID)
January 2009 - 2015
Responsibilities: Under the Statistics Act, participation in SLID is voluntary. As a participant, I will be interviewed once a year for six years for information "about work, going to school, looking for work, retirement, wages, salaries, and pensions." Each year, the "information becomes more valuable to researchers, social planners, and policy analysts in all levels of government to evaluate government programs."

Venture Market Research
Responsibilities: I was invited to join a panel selected to brainstorm ideas about the BC Transit system, at Suite 210, 2728 Spencer Road, Langford, British Columbia, on August 23, 2007.

Statistics Canada
Labour Force Survey (LFS)
June 2007 - November 2007
Responsibilities: Under the Statistics Act, participation in the LFS is required by law. As a randomly selected participant, the members in my household represent 235 people of the same age and sex. The survey, which took place over six months, "measures the current state of the Canadian labour market and is used, among other things, to calculate and publish national, provincial and regional employment and unemployment rates.... The results are used to make important decisions regarding job creation, education and training, retirement pensions and income support." I also participated in a follow-up survey on January 6, 2009.

Census Day
May 16, 2006 - August 16, 2006
Responsibilities: By law, Statistics Canada must take a census every five years and every household must fill in a census form. As a Census Enumerator for the 2006 Census, I successfully completed a written test; oral interview; police check; three days of training; as well as satisfied several other requirements, in order to get a completed census questionnaire form from every household in my assigned collection areas and to help meet the 2006 Census goals.

Court Services - Ministry of Attorney General
2005
Responsibilities: Through the Supreme Court of British Columbia, I was a Juror at the Courthouse, 850 Burdett Avenue, in Victoria, British Columbia, for a civic case that began on April 25, 2005 and settled on April 29, 2005.

British Columbia Directories
February 1990 - March 1990
Responsibilities: As a British Columbia Directories Enumerator, for the City of Victoria Directory, I completed the training required to enumerate areas around Langford, British Columbia.

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Volunteer / Community Leadership

Genlyon Norfolk School
Canadian National Debating Championship Judge
April 24, 2010
I was one of approximately two hundred trained judges for this year's Canadian National Style Debating tournament which was hosted by Glenlyon Norfolk School. Grade eleven and twelve students, considered the best young speakers and debaters in the country, won tournaments in their regions to qualify for this two-day event.

Dogwood Initiative
Campaign to Save Our Wild Coast
March 3, 2010
I attended this urgent and effective community rally in order to show my support, to help save the coastal area of Vancouver Island between Sooke and Port Renfrew and "tell the provincial government that we want them involved and active in saving these lands. Conservation groups, Indigenous Nations and the University of British Columbia were ready to come to the table with a proposal to buy the rest of the land, but up to this point the province absolutely refused to cooperate." Several hundred people attended to hear the following speakers: Chief Gordon Planes, T'Sou-ke First Nation; David Anderson, Former MP and Environment Minister; Arnie Campbell, Otter Point and Shirley Resident and Rate Payers Association; Vicky Husband, Jordan River Steering Committee; and Calvin Sandborn, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre. This event was held at S. J. Willis Auditorium, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Storyteller House Concert Host
September 15, 2009
Responsibilities: Everyone on the Vancouver Island Storytellers' E-Mail Tree (see the teller page for information about the number of people on this listserv) was invited to my house, with short notice, for a wonderful evening of stories by Ottawa storyteller, Glen Milne, who was in Victoria for a few days to finish collaborating on a new book with the University of Victoria.

Green Party of Canada
Campaign to Elect Elizabeth May, O.C., Leader of the Green Party of Canada
April 23, 2009 - present
Responsibilities: After meeting Elizabeth May at the Green Party of BC Headquarters for the launch of her new book, Losing Confidence: Power, Politics, and the Crisis in Canadian Democracy, and again at the Green Tea Party in Saanich (August 26, 2009) to show my support for her to run as a candidate in the Saanich and Gulf Islands riding, I added my name to the list of volunteers to help with her campaign. Since then, I volunteered at the National Green Party (NGP) booth at the Saanichton Fair (September 6, 2009), attended the Saanich and Gulf Islands Nomination meeting (September 16, 2009), and then took the necessary orientation training (September 23, 2009) in order to begin on-going weekly canvassing in Sidney through October, and then in Saanich beginning in November (approximately three hours per week) until January 12, 2010. I was one of the volunteers at the Annual Sidney Santa Claus Parade who walked (and ran!) with Elizabeth May, who rode in a convertible Smart Car, while we helpers handed out fair trade candies to children along the route (November 28, 2009).

Other activities included attending the Countdown to Copenhagen Rally. This event, hosted by Ken Wu (Western Canada Wilderness Committee), organized the by the ad hoc Green Climate Committee, and sponsored by the Green Party of Canada, was held at the Victoria Conference Centre. Over 1000 people attended to hear "some of Canada's foremost climate experts including Elizabeth May (former Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada, and current Green Party of Canada Leader), Dr. Andrew Weaver (Professor at the University of Victoria's School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and member Nobel Laureate winner), Guy Dauncey (President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association), as well as members of the Canadian youth delegation to Copenhagen: Jamie Biggar (Common Energy), Tria Donaldson (Powershift), and Maia Green (Youth Delegation coordinator)." I participated in the on-the-spot mass letter writing effort to "help to ensure that the Canadian government is forced to become a climate leader, not an international laggard and obstructionist" (Elizabeth May took the letters to Copenhagen), and helped recruit new volunteers and shared information, while networking at the Environmental Info Fair held at the same time (November 17, 2009). At another event sponsored by the Green Party of Canada that I attended (February 2010), which was held at the University of Victoria, Elizabeth May spoke about the impacts of the prorogation of the Canadian parliament in relation to Canada's climate targets and policies. Other speakers included Victoria NDP MP Denise Savoie; Canadians Against the Prorogation of Parliament organizer, Craig Ashbourne; and University of Victoria professors, Dr. Dennis Pilon and Dr. Colin Macleod. Liberal MP Keith Martin was unable to attend because he was out of town; and Conservative MP Gary Lunn was also invited, but didn't attend. I also attended "Going Beyond Gridlock: Sustainable Transportation Forum - Light Rail, Bicycles, Buses, Trains," to hear speeches by Elizabeth May; Judith Sayers, Chair of the Island Corridor Foundation, University of Victoria Law professor, former Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation, and E&N railway advocate; John Luton, Victoria City Councillor, long time community activist for enhancements to cycling and walking infrastructure and programs around the Capital Region; Irwin Henderson, President of the Island Transformations Organization, former chair of Victoria's Advisory Planning Commission, and CRD light rail advocate; and Guy Dauncey, President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association and author of The Climate Challenge: 101 Solutions to Global Warming, at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre (April 6, 2010).

Foster Parent Support Services Society (FPSS)
Foster Parent Retention Committee Member
April 30, 2009 - present
Responsibilities: Foster Parents, Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) staff, and community partners meet every other month to discuss and implement foster home retention initiatives.

Emergency Preparedness for Foster Parents Workshop Facilitator
January 14, 2009
Responsibilities: As a Specialized Level Three foster parent and member of Langford's Emergency Social Services (ESS), I coordinated, helped design, and then presented a two-hour Emergency Preparedness Workshop for foster parents, along with the team from Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS).

Foster Parent Coffee/Support Host
November 2008 - present
Responsibilities: To host and provide refreshments so that foster parents can gather together to share the joys of fostering, meet other foster parents, and collaborate on problem sharing (November 20, 2008; September 24, 2009; January 7, 2010).

Savory Elementary School
September 2008 - June 2009
Responsibilities: I assist with the Savory PAC's (Parent Advisory Council) school fundraising efforts, by helping to distribute pizzas, etc., on "McSavory Day;" by donating labels and UPC codes from Campbell's Soup and Island Farms, respectively; by using the School's Island Co-Op Membership number and Thrifty Smile Cards; and by supporting numerous other money-making projects. I also attend the Boys' Volleyball Team games; and help keep score and provide transportation, when needed.

Foster Parent Support Services Society (FPSS)
Resource Team and Advisory Team Foster Parent Appreciation Night Sub-Committee Member
June 2007 - October 2007
Responsibilities: To gain a better understanding of the work that goes on to support foster parents, I started attending the monthly Resource Team meetings and the Foster Parent Advisory meetings. I was on the sub-committee for the Foster Parent Appreciation Night (October 18, 2007), an event which happens every two years, to help set up the silent auction, which raises funds for the Foster Children's annual Christmas Parties. I also made my own donation to the silent auction which was a themed package, "Telling Our Own Stories," offering bidders six hours of storytelling workshops for the whole family; six hours of individual tutoring; and six hours of writing instruction; or a combination of these, for any members in their family.

Foster Parent Mentor
January 2007 - present
Responsibilities: In order to become available as a Foster Parent Mentor, I completed the Orientation (2006) and then the Mentor Program For Foster Parents certificate course. "Mentors are selected with the following qualities in mind: A positive attitude towards the Ministry and the caregiving community; A strong knowledge base; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially listening skills; Empathy; Are flexible and open; Sees solutions and opportunities; Patient; Willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience." Also, Mentors must hold a current Ministry of Children and Family Development contract; sign a confidentiality agreement; have at least three years fostering experience; and must have completed the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Foster Care in British Columbia program, or be in the process of achieving certification; and they abide by a Code of Conduct. I was matched up with a mentee in April 2009.

École Macaulay Elementary School
May 2008 - June 2008
Responsibilities: I assisted the teachers with their grade four and five students during a day-long field trip to attend the 9th Annual Public Works Day, "The Future Is Now" (May 28, 2008); and on their year-end outing to Esquimalt's Fleming Beach (June 20, 2008).

Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS)
June 2007 - Present
Responsibilities: "Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) is a team of community volunteers who respond to provide essential services needed by people forced from their homes by emergencies or disasters. They are part of a province-wide organization sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources and the City of Langford.... Volunteers donate their time and energy to receive extensive training and have proven to be an invaluable resource in many emergencies." Also, as one of the Langford ESS Public Information Committee members (January 2008 to September 2009), I helped to organize and gave public presentations on emergency preparedness (May 7, 2008, at Langford's Fire/Rescue Station No. 1; May 14, 2008, at Katrina Preschool; April 17, 2009, to the Women's Auxiliary at at Langford's Fire/Rescue Station No. 1), plus specialized workshops (on January 14, 2009, "Emergency Preparedness for Foster Parents," a two-hour certificate workshop hosted by the Foster Parent Support Services Society; on January 22, 2009, a two-hour multi-faceted lesson we designed for grade four students at Millstream Elementary School); and assisted with information displays at public events (May 31, July 26, August 16 and 30, 2008, at Langford's Luxton Station Market; June 1, 2008, at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1 Open House; July 12, 2008, at Langford's Fun Festival, which included walking in the community parade, first; November 29, 2008, at Langford Home Depot); and March 13, 2009, at the 50+ Active Living Celebration 2009 exhibition held at the Pearkes Recreation Centre, in our on-going goals to prepare everyone, especially in our own community of Langford. Time permitting, I also volunteered on the Langford ESS Planning Committee (May 2008), the Security Committee (June 2008), and the ESS Group Lodging Committee (April 2009). Occasionally, I took the minutes at these and other business meetings, such as the ESS Management meetings (September 2008); and assisted in diverse ways, such as by taking inventory of the Group Lodging trailer and Mobile trailer (October 2008); and occasionally helped in the kitchen at regular meetings. As the Langford ESS Phone Coordinator (January to April 2010), my role was to ensure that ESS volunteers were contacted by a committee of phoners in the following situations: to notify them of monthly meetings or other events; to exercise the call out system; to provide a warning of a call out (known as standby) in the event of an emergency or disaster; and to notify them of an actual call out; and finally, to notify them the stand down. I also maintained a current list of available volunteers (ESS volunteers are required to notify the Telephone Coordinator if they plan to be out of town more than forty-eight hours), and liaised with the Director and Volunteer Staff/Management Coordinator. Langford ESS members meet monthly at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1 at 7:00 p.m., on the second Monday of the month, from September through June.

Heart & Stroke Big Bike
June 8, 2007
Responsibilities: As part of the team from Westside Instaprint, I rode the Big Bike (a bicycle built for thirty!), through the city of Langford, in order to raise funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Native Plant Study Group (Sub-group of the Victoria Horticultural Society)
2006 - present
Responsibilities: "The Native Plant Study Group is a non-political group dedicated to learning about British Columbia native plants, as wild populations and in garden settings, and to supporting conservation of native plants and their habitats." As a member, I also attend meetings, which are held once a month, from September to May, except December, at the University of Victoria, where we gather as a group "to exchange information through lectures, presentations, workshops and field trips." When possible, I also volunteer my time to work on native garden projects as well as in other ways, such as by providing feedback and proofreading their web site which was launched in October 2006.

Native Plant Salvage Program
2006 - present
Responsibilities: Salvagers in this program become members by signing a membership/waiver form and participating in an orientation session. Environmental Services works with members to ensure safety and appropriate salvaging practices. The Native Plant Salvage Program helps to protect genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity in their region; restores habitat for wildlife; encourages the use of native plants in gardens and community projects; and promotes the preservation and restoration of environmentally significant areas. Salvaging native plants is not an alternative to habitat protection. The salvage program is a stewardship initiative that compliments other environmental protection tools. Our vision is: "community living in harmony with the natural environment; individuals empowered with the realization that they can make a difference; and an image of urban and rural areas covered with the dense patchwork quilt of wildlife habitat and corridors." - Naturescape BC

Habitat Acquisition Trust
2004 - present
Responsibilities: Through a voluntary environmental stewardship agreement with the Habitat Acquisition Trust, I have become an environmental steward of Mill Hill Regional Park in Langford, as well as my own property, where I have lived since 1976, and which is part of the remaining Garry Oak meadow and ecosystem in this area. By allowing and helping my property to return to its native state, I am also encouraging the return, and protection, of its natural habitat.

Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils
2004 - 2005
Responsibilities: As the Capital and South Island Regional Director, I served as a public trustee; as a liaison to my region; as a cultural leader in my community; and as an advocate and educator in articulating the vital role the arts play in British Columbia's wider community. I was also involved with updating and re-evaluating the Policy Manual and Constitution. My duties included attending teleconferences and face-to-face meetings, held at diverse locations around the province, with the Assembly's Board of Directors.

Host to English Immersion Students from Quebec
1999
Responsibilities: I welcomed and provided guardianship and accommodation to two French-speaking teenaged girls who stayed with me for a month, during the summer, while they participated in an English immersion program which was sponsored by Claremont High School, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Annual Victoria Literary Info-Fair
1999 and 2000
Responsibilities: Board of Director; Public Relations and Publicity; Budget and Planning Committee Chair. Working with two other Directors, we coordinated this annual day-long event, in order to bring together and introduce a network of new and established writers, editors, publishers, readers, and businesses to the writing community in Victoria.

Vancouver Island Storytellers' E-Mail Tree
1998 - present
Responsibilities: I created and maintain the Vancouver Island Storytellers' E-Mail Tree listserv which distributes messages of interest to storytelling groups and individual storytellers living on and around Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This listserv also provides information for the British Columbia Representatives of the Storytellers in Canada / Conteurs du Canada (SC/CC) to use in their reports published in the SC/CC newsletter, le raconteur, and, occasionally, for Harlynne Geisler to post on her Tales from the Story Bag Web site where she maintains a "Calendar of Storytelling Events Around the World."

Storytellers in Canada / Conteurs du Canada (SC/CC)
1997 - present
Responsibilities: As a member (see the Directory of Storytellers), I try to encourage new members to join the SC/CC, by providing information about the SC/CC through the Vancouver Island Storytellers' E-Mail Tree which I moderate. The listserv also provides the Webmaster and editors with news and event details for the SC/CC Web site and newsletters. I also volunteer my time, when I can, in other ways, for example, by providing feedback and proofreading parts of the SC/CC's web site, such as their links page. In May 2008, I accepted the responsibilities and position, as one of the three Jury Members, to select the storytellers from Vancouver Island who will perform at the Storytellers in Canada / Conteurs du Canada's 17th Annual Conference which will be held in Victoria, British Columbia from July 8 to 12, 2009.

Western Communities Arts Council (now West Shore Arts Council )
1996 - 2005
Responsibilities: Past President; President; Vice President; Treasurer; Director at Large; Public Relations and Publicity Chair; Grants, Funding, and Policy Setting Committee Chair; and Arts Centre Committee Chair. I became Director at Large in 1996. In 1998, I spent five months as Vice President and then completed the two-year term as President from November 1998 to 2000, while filling in as Acting Treasurer, Membership Chair, and Public Relations Chair. A great deal was accomplished during my term as Arts Council President including a substantial growth in membership and new funding, a Web site, logo, brochure, the quarterly issue of the ARTnews newsletter, revision of the Constitution, policy for granting annual scholarships, and the creation of detailed job descriptions for Board positions. We hosted the LOOK 2000 juried art exhibition, held at Royal Roads University from April 20-24, 2000; and as our Millennium project, we held the First Annual Banner Contest in July 2000. Juried hand-painted banners were hung on Langford's new Cobra sidewalk lamp posts along Goldstream Avenue, with the help of the Langford Volunteer Fire Department and one of their trucks. I also presented a paper on the steps necessary to get an arts centre built and established in the Western Communities, which I prepared for my term paper for a Cultural Policy course I took, during that same time, with Bess Jillings, a past Victoria Arts Manager. During a presentation I gave at the District of Langford Regular Meeting on July 17, 2000, Mayor Young advised me that Langford would hold a referendum to seek increased funding for the arts through taxation. My role as the immediate Past President ended in November 2002. I sat as a Director at Large, again, from 2004 to 2005. The Arts Council represents and supports the arts and artists in Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, and more recently, View Royal.

Western Communities Word Weavers Storytellers (previously at http://www.islandnet.com/~wcww/)
1995 - 2005
Responsibilities: President; Treasurer; Editor to the WCWW Word Weaver newsletter; Events Coordinator; Public Relations and Publicity Chair; and Storyteller at local community events. I gave presentations on diverse topics in storytelling at the monthly meetings, from 1995 to 2000.

Victoria Storytellers' Guild
1995 - present
Responsibilities: Scheduler of Events (1995 to 2000); Coordinated (with Joy Paquin) "Spring Into Story", the Guild's first three-day weekend storytelling event that included a house concert, multiple workshops, and a public performance featuring storyteller and author, Nan Gregory (April 1997); Creator and moderator of the Victoria Storytellers' Guild Members' E-Vine listserv, in order to distribute messages of interest to VSG Members (1998 to June 2006); Coordinator of the VSG Annual Winter Retreat (2002); Jury Committee member to select storytellers for Intrepid Theatre's 2008 UNO Festival; and I tell stories at the monthly "Stories at Fern" public gatherings ("Of Dragons and Tea", December 10, 2007; "Nice Snake", February 18, 2008).

Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch
1991 - 1998
Responsibilities: I was Treasurer for seven years; Membership Chair; Publicity and Public Relations; Workshop Coordinator; and Member of the Committee to host the 1995 Annual National CAA Conference.

1990 - 1996
I cared for a frail elderly aunt who moved in to live with me.

1988 - 1989
I assisted the elderly grandparents of one of the children in my care, by taking them to doctor appointments, which included several trips to the University of British Columbia Hospital in Vancouver; on outings for lunches, shopping, etcetera; plus I was a daily contact person and was phoned one to three times a day.

January 1988 - August 1988
I provided the primary care for my mother when she moved in with me after being diagnosed with terminal breast and advanced bone cancer.

1986
As a volunteer, I visited with three elderly women, at different times, at the Goldstream Priory Extended Care Hospital, in Langford, British Columbia.

1984 - 1985
As a volunteer, and in order to gain experience, I spent half days each, by working with children who had varying physical and mental disabilities and needs, at the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children and at G. R. Pearkes Centre for Children, in Victoria, British Columbia.

1980 - 1982
Arbutus Jaycees
I was a founding member of this Junior Chamber of Commerce group for women, along with the other women who were not interested in being Jaycettes and helpers for the Victoria Jaycees' all-male organization. Projects and activities included tire safety inspections; bringing in interesting guest speakers; social activities; leadership and personal development; and co-hosting and billeting, with the Victoria Jaycees, visitors from Japan during the summers of 1980 and 1981.

1977
Shop Steward
As the BCGEU (British Columbia Government Employees Union) shop steward for the In-Province Claims Adjudication Department, at the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia, I was required to be familiar with the Master Agreement; present employees' grievances to management, following the appropriate procedure; attend meetings; and if requested, be present during employee interviews.

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Published Works (and Works in Progress)

Books

"Literary Agents in Canada", The Canadian Writer's Guide, Twelfth Edition, Ed. Anne Osbourne, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1997, pp. 595-604.

Brochures

Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers, 1996/1997, 1997/1998, 1998/1999, 1999/2000, 2000/2001.

Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, 1998/1999. (co-produced with Russ Harvey).

Western Communities Arts Council, 1997. (co-produced with Russ Harvey).

Columns

"Every Age Is The Best Age", Java Talk, a weekly column, April 2007 - April 2008. (The published and completed collection of 52 articles can be found on my other page)

"President's Letter", ARTnews, Western Communities Arts Council, 1998 - 2000.

"Community Canvas", Goldstream News Gazette, July 14, 1999 to September 8, 1999.

"National News Branch Reports - Victoria & Islands", The National Newsline, Canadian Authors Association, Spring, 1996; Summer 1996; Autumn 1996; Winter 1997.

Literary Short Stories (collection of works in progress)

Workshopped with Bill Gaston (2002):

The Youngest Bearer's Story
Taking Turns Driving
The Last Story

Workshopped with Jack Hodgins (2002):

Who'd Save a Wretch Like Her
Meeting With the Elders
The Wed Site

Workshopped with Lorna Jackson (2001):

The Doyenne and the Renaissance Women
Letters to the Editor
The Bird Maiden's Lullaby

Workshopped with W. (Bill) Valgardson (2000 - 2001):

The Bag Lady
Wrestling
The Gift
Not Seeing Is Believing
The Mentor

Newsletters Edited

ARTnews, Western Communities Arts Council, Summer 2000. (co-produced with Russ Harvey).

Word Weavers, Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers, Winter 1997 and Spring 1997.

Photography

"Prolific author Walter McConville is the recipient of the Allan Sangster Award this year", Peninsula News Review, July 15, 2010.

"Festival of the Ages", (two photos), Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Spring 1997.

"Second Anniversary Celebration", (two photos), Word Weavers, Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers, Winter 1997.

"George & Rae Hardy at 1996 Spring Workshop and Home Page Launch", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Spring 1996.

"Russ Harvey, Your Editor Hard at Work", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Winter 1996.

"Rosemary Bauchman", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Winter 1996.

"Walter McConville and June Cable at 1995 Canadian Authors Association Conference", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Fall 1995.

Poetry

"Symphony No. 1 in D Major", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Spring 1996.

Video Productions

Workshopped with Brian Hendricks and co-produced with Ellissa Hintz (Summer 2002):

"The Deed" (Six-minute film and a forty-second trailer).
Premiered at the University of Victoria Film Festival, Summer 2002.
To see the trailer: http://finearts.uvic.ca/~writ320/archive.html.

Short Articles

"The Massey Commission and the Arts in Canada", ARTnews, Western Communities Arts Council, Spring 2000.

"A Time and a Season for Every Telling", Word Weavers, Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers, Fall 1999.

"Happy Birthday!", Papa Joe's Traveling Storytelling Show, March 1997.

"The Question is: What is Literary Criticism?", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Winter 1997.

"Storytellers Celebrate 2nd Anniversary", Word Weavers, Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers, Winter 1997.

"Fairytale Workshop Impressions", Tell Me A Story Newsletter, Victoria Storytellers' Guild, Winter 1996.

"Word Weavers Celebrate Second Anniversary", Goldstream News Gazette, October 2, 1996.

"And What a Lovely Root Cellar You Have", Tell Me A Story Newsletter, Victoria Storytellers' Guild, Fall 1996.

"A Look at Alice Munro's Friend of My Youth", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Fall 1996.

"The 75th Anniversary Conference", Victoria Calling Newsletter, Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, Summer 1996.

"Speeder Bashing", (humour), Victoria Times Colonist, Letter to the Editor, May 7, 1992.

"Even Christmas Shall Pass", (humour), Saanich News, December 24, 1991.

"The School Bus Rules", (humour), Victor School Parents' Association Newsletter, Fall 1987.

Web Sites

Design and Production for Publishing with Jason Dewinetz (2003):

The co-produced Turf Magazine site, where I was the editor and one of the contributors to this University of Victoria online publishing course project, was launched in April 2003. The site includes a video recording of me telling "Arnarluck's Story: An Inuit Legend". (I learned and told this story as a sleep-deprived and overworked student, but at least I met the deadline!). The site was also deposited, and is preserved forevermore, with Library and Archives Canada (formerly the National Library of Canada), under ISBN: 1550582763.

Electronic Publishing: Web Development and Design with Jason Dewinetz (2002):

The original Deidre A. Hill - Writer, Storyteller Web site, which I designed and built by using the University of Victoria's Dreamweaver and Fireworks software, and housed at http://finearts.uvic.ca/~dahill, was launched in December 2002. After I graduated, my site was reproduced and rebuilt without the University's software, by Russ Harvey, and then relocated to http://www3.telus.net/DeidreHill/. (As of September 2007, my Web site domain is http://www.DeidreHill.ca).

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Performances

Told Aubry Thonon's oral tale, "Of Dragons and Tea", as part of my two-day storytelling teaching program, to the grade nine students at Glenlyon Norfolk School, in Oak Bay, September 2005.

Using the voice and persona of a character, from my short story, "The Doyenne and the Renaissance Women", the 139 years old and "still living" woman, Aurora Livingston, I told her story as she remembered her experiences going to school in the Victoria area, and then becoming a teacher there. As she recalled the events and changes in the education system over the years, five other performers played the rolls of some significant figures who had shaped the history of education, as they campaigned and tried to sway a voting audience with their platform speeches, as part of our group teaching presentation on the topic, "An Historical Overview of the Financing of Public Education in the Province of British Columbia," to the student teachers taking Dr. Jim London's History of Education course, at the University of Victoria, August 2003.

As one of six guests invited to lead a forum, I shared my experience as a storyteller and writer along with visual artist, Andrew Hunter; historians, John Adams and Patricia Kidd; English professor, Misao Dean; and therapist, Karen Wallace; plus an audience of sixty to seventy people in an opportunity to "Talk About Art" at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's "Andrew Hunter Forum", January 2003.

Storytelling at the Western Communities Arts Council annual fund-raiser event, "Fall for the Arts", at The Railside Station House in Langford, British Columbia, November 2002.

Told a story, as part of my presentation on "Using Storytelling to Teach Reading and Writing", to a class of University of Victoria students, November 2001.

Storytelling at the Annual Hatley Park Paint-In, at Royal Roads University in Colwood, British Columbia, May 2000.

Storytelling at the Victoria Literary Info-Fair, held at the Juan de Fuca Parks & Recreation Centre Curling Rink, in Colwood, British Columbia, May 2000.

Storytelling at the Victoria Storytellers' Guild Annual Summer Picnic, Mount Douglas Park, Victoria, British Columbia, July 1999.

Storytelling at the Annual Hatley Park Paint-In, at Royal Roads University in Colwood, British Columbia, May 1999.

Storytelling at "Art is not a 4 Letter Word!", a community education event held at the Can West Mall in Langford, British Columbia, and hosted by the Western Communities Arts Council, October 1998.

Told Alice Munro's literary short story, "An Ounce of Cure" (thirty minutes), to a class of University of Victoria students, June 1998.

Told Aubry Thonon's oral story, "Of Dragons and Tea", and performed in a selection of musical duets chosen from Paul Fleischman's Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, with Sandy Cowan, at the St. John Heritage Church "Songs and Stories" event, in Colwood, British Columbia, May 1998.

Storytelling at the Annual Hatley Park Paint-In at Royal Roads University, in Colwood, British Columbia, May 1998.

Storytelling at the Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers' Winter Tales Party, in Langford, British Columbia, December 1997.

Storytelling at the "West Shore Summer Festival", Juan de Fuca Parks & Recreation Centre, August 1997.

Storytelling at the Canadian Authors Association's "Annual Summer Tea" at Blair Gowie House, Victoria, British Columbia, August 1997.

At the "Festival of the Ages '97", a series of intergenerational events held at Bayside Middle School and Market Square in Victoria, British Columbia, I performed in a musical number, Zap That Gap, with members of the Canadian Authors Association and Western Community Word Weavers, May 1997.

Storytelling at the Capital Families' "Book Fest" event, in Langford, British Columbia, November 1996.

Storytelling at Western Community Word Weavers' "Second Anniversary Celebration", a special public event, October 1996.

I played several roles in June Cable's play, Moon, Madness & Memories, at a performance held during the Canadian Authors Association's Annual Tea at Blair Gowie House, in Victoria, British Columbia, August 1996.

I performed in Walt McConville's skit, The Word Workers Workshop, at the Canadian Authors Association's 74th Annual National Conference in Victoria, hosted by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, in Victoria from June 15 to 18, 1995.

I performed in Walt McConville's skit, A Capital Concert Party, at the Canadian Authors Association's 72nd Annual National Conference in Vancouver, June 1993 and again at the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch Annual Summer Tea at Blair Gowie House, in Victoria on June 22, 1993.

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Readings

I gave a reading of my short story, "The Wed Site", by invitation, to approximately twenty women at the P.E.O., Chapter A.R., monthly meeting and social event, in Victoria, British Columbia, May 2004.

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Radio and Television Appearances

In a seven-minute radio interview on Camosun College Radio, CKMO, 103.1 FM, I spoke about the art of storytelling and of my own experiences as a storyteller, and about my memberships with the Western Community Word Weavers and Victoria Storytellers' Guild, in Victoria, British Columbia, October 30, 1997.

In a television interview on Shaw Community 11 Cable, "Mile Zero Magazine", I spoke about my own experiences as a storyteller and about the Western Community Word Weavers "Winter Tales Party" event. The interview, recorded on April 9, 1997, was broadcasted several times between April 24-26, 1997.

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Workshops and Courses Presented

Teaching Emergency Preparedness:

Along with the Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) Public Information team, I helped design the effective two-hour, multi-faceted, and fun-filled lesson plan which we presented to grade four students at Millstream Elementary School, in Langford, British Columbia, on January 22, 2009.

As a Specialized Level Three foster parent and member of Langford's Emergency Social Services (ESS), I coordinated, helped design, and then presented, with the Public Information team from Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS), a two-hour "Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Foster Parents," through the Foster Parent Support Services Society (FPSS), in Langford, British Columbia, on January 14, 2009.

Teaching Practicums:

At Dunsmuir Middle School, I taught English to two grade eight classes, as well as Social Studies to two grade eight classes, in Colwood, British Columbia, from October 2004 to November 2004.

At Edward Milne Community School, I taught English to one grade ten class, from February 2004 to March 2004, and Social Studies to one grade eleven class, from February 2004 to April 2004, in Sooke, British Columbia.

Teaching Storytelling:

At Glenlyon Norfolk School, I presented a two-day storytelling program, that began with performances by two guest storytellers, Jennifer Ferris and Graham Kelly, and a forum; and then my follow-up presentation, including a story and a workshop, on the second day, that introduced the art of storytelling to a group of seventy grade nine students, twenty grade eight students, and their teachers. I created the program to enhance the unit and projects they were working on in their English classes. September 2005, in Oak Bay, British Columbia.

At Edward Milne Community School, I taught a unit on "How to Become a Storyteller", which I developed when I was a student teacher in the University of Victoria's Bachelor of Education Post-Degree Professional Program, to a class of grade ten boys and one girl. Based on fourteen lesson plans that utilized eleven one-hour blocks and three two-hour blocks, the unit effectively covered thirty-seven of the learning outcomes prescribed in the BC Ministry of Education's Integrated Resource Package for the English ten curriculum. I designed the unit to enhance students' creativity and cultural awareness, while they learned to develop oral, aural, research, technical, reading, and writing skills, as well as an appreciation of the art of storytelling, how to become a storyteller, and the benefits of being a storyteller. The lessons included sessions using computers and the Internet for research and writing about storytelling, and as a way to find stories; performances by guest storytellers (everyone in the school was welcomed to attend, if they could), with a follow-up forum for students to ask the storytellers (Mary Holland, Graham Kelly, Katherine McGinnis, and Cathleen Thom) questions; use of video cameras to record, screen, and help students critique their own and each others' progress, as well as to record, screen, and evaluate their final performances at the end of the unit (Edward Milne Community School has an excellent theatre with a large film screen); warm-up voice activities, games, stage rehearsals, and writing exercises. February 2004, in Sooke, British Columbia.

I gave a presentation on "Using Storytelling to Teach Reading and Writing", to a class of University of Victoria student teachers, November 2001.

I gave a presentation on storytelling at "Art is not a 4 Letter Word!", a community education event held at the Can West Mall in Langford, British Columbia, which was hosted by the Western Communities Arts Council, October 1998.

From 1995 to 2000, I gave the following mini-presentations, which I created to help establish and teach a newly founded group of aspiring storytellers: "Stories from the Forest", "Professional Storytelling", "Storytelling, Not Just for Kids!", "Canadian Stories and Storytellers", "Tales from the Arabian Nights", "More Fun Stuff for Storytellers", "Types of Tellers - What Type are You?", "International Storytelling and Resources for Storytellers", "Five Steps in Preparing to Tell", "Classical Greek & Roman Mythology", "Story Mapping & 'Authentically Oral and Traditional' Stories", "Going Professional plus Utilizing Library & Internet Resources", "Joining a Troupe: A Plan to Go on the Road!", and "Island Stories and Local Tales".

Teaching Writing:

I gave a two-hour presentation on What to Look For in an Editor to a group of writers at Goward House in Victoria, British Columbia, by invitation from the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, January 2009.

On-going private weekly writing instruction (literary and academic) for University of Victoria student(s) learning the art of literary fiction and how to write academic papers, May 2007 to present.

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Workshops and Courses Attended

Emergency Social Services and First Aid Courses:

ESS121 Public Safety Lifeline Leadership Course is a two-day course "designed to familiarize participants with the fundamental components of effective leadership. The focus was on generic leadership skills that can be applied to various emergency management roles." The course, taught by Sally Pollock, was presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division, and funded by the Emergency Social Services Association (ESSA). It was held at the JIBC Victoria Campus in Victoria, British Columbia, March 6 to 7, 2010.

Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) Mini Refresher Forms Course was a two-hour exercise that prepared previously trained volunteers, now on "Alert" status, with the possibility of being deployed to assist the Langford ESS Mobile Support Team already helping with the evacuations around British Columbia because of on-going forest fires. The exercise was presented by Tom Burchill, Director of the Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS), and was held at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1, 2625 Peatt Road, Langford, British Columbia, August 5, 2009.

ESS Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Foster Parents, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society along with the team from Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS), was a two-hour certificate course on emergency preparedness, which I also coordinated and helped to design and present, that provided information and resources specific for foster parents, in Langford, British Columbia, January 14, 2009.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Regional Reception Centre Exercise was day-long emergency exercise that provided a realistic learning opportunity for ESS teams and members from other agencies that support ESS, from the surrounding communities, including volunteers who came as evacuees, to respond to a mock major emergency situation requiring a fully expanded reception centre and functions rarely experienced. I took on the role as Planning Section Chief. The Exercise Design Team included Robert Johns, Deputy Emergency Coordinatorm Victoria Emergency Management Agency; Maegan Thompson; and Janet Cambrey. The exercise was held at the Juan De Fuca Seniors Centre in Colwood, British Columbia, May 10, 2008.

Foodsafe Level 1 is an 8-hour certification course, with a final mandatory exam, designed to "Create awareness of foodborne illness and worker injury; Reduce the possibility of food related illness; Share the importance of safe work habits in the food industry, and the objectives of the course are to "Emphasise food safety in a fast-paced, growth industry; Encourage prevention of foodborne illness; Protect the public and workers from harm; Apply safe procedures for receiving, storing, preparing and presenting food; Reduce common errors in handling potentially hazardous foods; Create an awareness of the Top Workplace Safety Hazards and techniques for reducing risk of injury and illness." It was prepared by the British Columbia FOODSAFE Secretariat, Camosun College, under the license from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Province of British Columbia; taught by Gerald Loiselle; presented by Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS); and held at Langford Fire Hall, Station No. 2, 3205 Happy Valley Road, Langford, British Columbia, May 4, 2008.

Fifth Annual Vancouver Island Emergency Preparedness Conference for Front Line Volunteers and Staff provided 350 dedicated volunteers with an opportunity to meet each other, establish mutual help networks, and to hear from some experts in the emergency preparedness field. I also took part in the Group Lodging, which provided extra training for both the participants and volunteers. "Vancouver Island and its near-by neighbours have unique emergency preparedness needs by being island communities. We live in a seismically active region, face ocean based threats of tsunamis and tanker spills, experience severe and sudden floods, and have communities in heavily forested fire sensitive areas. With our unique isolation, there is a need to build teamwork among island communities and to share our success stories." This three-day conference was held at the Saanich Fair Grounds, 1528 Stelly's Cross Road, Central Saanich, British Columbia, April 2008.

Canadian Disaster Child Care (CDCC) Volunteer Training is a 27-hour overnight course. "The CDCC trains volunteers to provide specialized child care that focuses on using play to help children work through their feelings and regain control over their environment following a disaster. Workshop topics include defining disaster (ranging from death in the family, war, earthquakes, etc.); recovery stages; children's behaviours and how they change in disaster; how we respond; celebrating cultural richness; empathetic listening; setting up a child-centred space; and team building." The course was presented by the Canadian Disaster Child Care Society and Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS). It was taught by Marlene Mulder (Edmonton, Alberta), Gloria Cooper (Pasadena, California), and Donna Grobell (Cranbrook, British Columbia); and held at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1, 2625 Peatt Road, Langford, British Columbia, March 8 to 9, 2008.

Pets and Disaster Preparedness Presentation was a two-hour presentation held at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road, Victoria, British Columbia, March 2008.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Group Lodging Workshop is a day-long course. "The ESS team is responsible for looking after the lodging needs of evacuees. Commercial accommodations, private homes, and facilities adapted to Group Lodging are all potential lodging resources. While commercial accommodations is generally the preferred choice for meeting people's lodging needs, the impact of a disaster, the resources within the community, and/or policy may necessitate the opening of Group Lodging facilities. Group Lodging facilities are public facilities not normally used for living purposes but are adapted in an emergency, as dormitory type accommodations for large numbers of people. The course addresses the planning and response needs of Group Lodging." The course, taught by Tammy Lata and Bev Stenning, was presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division, and was held at the North Saanich Fire Hall, corner of West Saanich and Wain Road, North Saanich, British Columbia, March 2008.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Meet & Greet PST-1 Workshop is a day-long course. "The purpose of the workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to meet and direct someone traumatized by disaster to any and all services required in an ESS Reception Centre." The course, taught by Don Grad, a Salvation Army minister, was presented by Emergency Social Services, the Provincial Emergency Program, and The Salvation Army. In British Columbia, The Salvation Army has been designated as the Agency to organize the Meet & Greet component of the ESS. The training session was held at the Salvation Army Citadel Corps, 4030 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, February 2008.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Family Reunification Workshop for Supervisors is a 7.5-hour long course. Course content covered "planning for Family Reunification service before a disaster, setting up Registration Inquiry Search and Reply functions at the start of a response, detailing on-site Family Reunification operational policies and procedures, communicating with other ESS services, recruiting and training appropriate personnel, leading reunification teams, accessing Red Cross support and worker care resources." The course, taught by Glenn Barned, a Red Cross facilitator, and presented by the Canadian Red Cross and the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division, was held at the Yates Street Fire Hall, Victoria, British Columbia, November 2007.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Inquiry, Search and Reply (ISR) Course is four hours long. Content covered "the purpose of ISR as a family reunification function, current policies and procedures, links to other emergency social services including Central Registry and Inquiry Bureau (CRIB) and the Red Cross International Family Reunification networks, collecting accurate and reliable information, the concept of Search and Reply, and the link between Front Line Registration, Inquiry, and Search and Reply." The course, prepared by the Canadian Red Cross Society and facilitated by Cor Zanberg, a Red Cross facilitator, was presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1, 2625 Peatt Road, Langford, British Columbia, November 2007.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Documentation Unit Course is a day-long course that "is intended for members of the ESS team who have been assigned administrative support responsibilities at a Reception Centre. Course content includes administrative support requirements at a Reception Centre, material requirements to do the job, work station set up, and paperwork procedures." The course was facilitated by Bev W. and presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division at Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1, 2625 Peatt Road, Langford, British Columbia, November 2007.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Managing Walk-In Disaster Volunteers Course is a day-long course that "is intended for those on the ESS team responsible for managing walk-in disaster volunteers. In this highly participatory workshop, participants learn about managing large numbers of untrained walk-in disaster volunteers and have the opportunity to set up a volunteer services centre." The course was facilitated by Deb Stenning and presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division at the Sooke Legion, Sooke, British Columbia, November 2007.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Registration & Referrals for Food, Clothing and Lodging Course is a six-hour course, that was presented over two evenings, that "describes the process for registering evacuees and for providing them with referrals for food, clothing, and lodging. It also covers basic interviewing skills. The course includes completion of the ESS File (Registration and Service Record) and Referral forms." The course was facilitated by Bev W. and presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division at the Eagle Ridge Community Centre, Langford, British Columbia, October 2007.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centre Course is a day-long course that "is offered to ESS workers who will be working in, or supporting the activities occurring at, an emergency Reception Centre. Participants are given an overview of the functions, the staffing, and the planning of a Reception Centre. They also have an opportunity to set up a Reception Centre." The course was facilitated by Russell Gaudin and presented by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Emergency Management Division at the Fairfield Community Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, October 2007.

Standard First Aid & CPR Level "C", Canadian Red Cross, in Colwood, British Columbia, August 2007. Expiry date, August 19, 2010.

Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) Organizational Chart and Position Descriptions for New Volunteers, a two-hour session facilitated by Rita Perren and Sandi Burchill, was presented by Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) at Eagle Ridge Community Centre, Langford, British Columbia, July 2007.

Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) Orientation for New Volunteers, a two-hour session facilitated by Rita Perren and Deb Preston, was presented by Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) at the Langford's Fire / Rescue Station No. 1, 2625 Peatt Road, Langford, British Columbia, June 2007.

Langford Emergency Preparedness, a two-hour session presented by the City of Langford, British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS) at the Isabelle Reader Theatre, Langford, British Columbia, June 2007.

Emergency First Aid and C.P.R. level "A", The Canadian Red Cross Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1993. Expiry date, February 1996.

Emergency Child Care and BCLS "D" level C.P.R. Program, The Canadian Red Cross Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1990. Expiry date, February 28, 1992.

What Would You Do in a Crisis? (Earthquake management, etcetera), presented by the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation Centre. Colwood, British Columbia, 1989.

Safety Orientation First Aid, St. John Ambulance, Canada, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1979. Expiry date, December 1984.

Standard First Aid, St. John Ambulance, Canada, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, 1970. Expiry date, December 1974.

Foster Parent and Caregiving Courses:

Fostering Healthy Attachment, a two-hour certificate workshop presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by registered psychologist, Mary Anne Leason, PhD, explored attachment theory and practice: Why is healthy attachment important? How is attachment built? What happens when attachment is damaged? and What can foster parents do to help?, at the West Shore Parks and Recreation Centre Lawn Bowling Clubhouse in Colwood, British Columbia, May 2010.

Safe Babies Workshops: Caring for the Caregiver and Aboriginal Cultural Awareness for Caregivers of Babies, a three-hour certificate course presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society, was facilitated by Dana Kinney, Foster Parent and past FPSSS South Island Coordinator, and Corrina Sparrow, Resource Social Worker from Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services, in Langford, British Columbia, March 2010.

Managing Change and Transitions, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by Vicki Bridge, Peer Support Services, MA, RMFT, was a three-hour certificate course that explored change and the three-stage model developed by William Bridges, etc., in order to find useful ways to help ourselves and others during periods of transition, in Langford, British Columbia, February 2010.

The 6 C's of Child Care, a two-hour workshop presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by foster parent, Doug Anderson, in Langford, British Columbia, November 18, 2009.

Level 1 Signing English, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by Dorothy Tait, is a nine-session certificate course running in Langford, British Columbia, from September 21 to November 30, 2009.

Food and FASD, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by April Macri, an FASD Key Worker, was about how food can affect children with FASD. Langford, British Columbia, October 6, 2009.

Renewal and Hope, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by a Metis educator and a Metis storyteller from Metis Community Services, was an entertaining historical view of the Metis from the past to the present, in Langford, British Columbia, September 16, 2009.

Allegation Prevention for Foster Parents, the first teleclass course presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by Vicki Bridge, MA, RMFT, served two purposes: "To explore the topic of Allegation Prevention for foster families" by "reviewing what 'risk' is, where it comes from, the most common types of allegations and some suggestions about how you can be proactive in minimizing your risk" and "To experiment with using a teleclass or virtual group (v-group) format as a method to engage foster parents in learning opportunities. Yes, we are all experimental guinea pigs tonight." Preparation included re-reading Foster Homes Standards and the Foster Family Handbook. Victoria, British Columbia, August 20, 2009.

The Period of Purple Crying, was an on-line course presented through the Foster Parent Support Services Society. "The Period of PURPLE Crying is a new program being offered from Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC, a program of BC Children's Hospital. The program educates all new parents about early infant crying, especially inconsolable crying, and the dangers of shaking a baby because of the frustration over this crying. The Ministry of Children and Family Development has funded both the research and implementation of this program province-wide and is now adding the Period of PURPLE Crying to the Foster Parent curriculum. The training involves viewing a 25 minute presentation and then watching the DVD." Victoria, British Columbia, August 17, 2009.

Toward Inclusion—Leaders in FASD Prevention Youth Presentation, was presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and youth from the Cowichan Valley FAS Action Team Society (CVFAS). "The Leaders in FASD Prevention program is based on a successful peer education model where youth are supported to learn about FASD and then create their own youth-friendly FASD prevention messages. Drama, art and other media are used in developing FASD awareness, and participants are supported by a project team to present their FASD prevention messages in the community. Youth presentations are interactive, featuring a short drama piece and an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and find out more about FASD and supporting individuals who are affected." Langford, British Columbia, June 9, 2009.

Education and Individual Education Planning for Children with FASD, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by FASD key worker, Mona Carlson, from Metis Community Services, provided practical advice and information about supportive services to help parents and educators prepare education plans for children with FASD, in Langford, British Columbia, February 4, 2009.

ESS Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Foster Parents, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society along with the team from Langford Emergency Social Services (ESS), was a two-hour certificate course on emergency preparedness, which I also coordinated and helped to design and present, that provided information and resources specific for foster parents, in Langford, British Columbia, January 14, 2009.

FASD Key Workers' Mini-Workshop, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by local FASD key workers, Carolyn Paul, from the Victoria Native Community Friendship Centre; Tracy Pawson, from FASD Community Circle; and Mona Carlson, from Metis Community Services, was an information session about their services, how to advocate for the children pre and post diagnosis, and the signs of FASD, in Langford, British Columbia, November 5, 2008.

Fostering Teens Workshop, Part II, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by Vicki Bridge, Peer Support Services, MA, RMFT, was an information-intense two-hour certificate course that focused on the adolescent brain, emotional process, attachment, etc., and implications for parenting teens, in Langford, British Columbia, January 2008.

Fostering Teens Workshop, presented by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and facilitated by Vicki Bridge, Peer Support Services, MA, RMFT, was an information-intense two-hour certificate course that included information on the brain, systems thinking, adolescent development tasks, etc., in Langford, British Columbia, November 2007.

Caregiver Support Service Standards Orientation Session. "The new Caregiver Support Service Standards came into effect on December 4, 2006. These standards were developed to provide caregivers with continuous high quality services in promoting and enhancing the safety and well-being of children in care; the development of collaborative plans to return a child to their family wherever possible; and the stability and continuity of lifelong relationships for children in care. This interactive orientation session provides caregivers, social workers and community partners with an opportunity to review new and updated information regarding practice standards for Caregiving." Victoria, British Columbia, June 2007.

Advanced FASD Caregiver Certificate Program "is a three-day (eighteen hour) program for foster parents who are caring for a child with a neurobehavioural condition. The fundamental goal of this program is to teach foster parents to provide care that meets the needs of foster children and youth with FASD. When children and youth experience this type of care then they concurrently experience greater stability and continuity at home, in their primary relationships, at school, and with peers and family members (where possible). This, in turn, leads to improved outcomes for children and youth both in and when leaving care." The course was facilitated by Fiona Macleod, M.Ed., RSW and Dana Kinney, Coordinator, South Island, Foster Parent Support Services Society. Langford, British Columbia, March 2007.

The Circle of Courage/Making Choices, a lecture by Dr. Martin Brokenleg, from Reclaiming Youth International, was presented by West Shore Crystal Meth Society at the Isabelle Reader Theatre, in Langford, British Columbia, March 2007.

British Columbia Foster Care Education Program, presented in fourteen modules, is a mandatory fifty-three hour standardized education program of training for approved foster parents who have a family care home agreement with the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development. The British Columbia Foster Care Education Program was designed and facilitated by Fiona Macleod, M.Ed., RSW. Langford, British Columbia, February 2007.

Foster Parent Mentor Certification Program, which included a pre-orientation meeting prior to the day-long workshop, was facilitated by Sandy Morley, Foster Parent Mentor and Ted Knowotniak, M.S.W.; and was presented, in partnership, by the Foster Parent Support Services Society and the Ministry of Children and Family Development Retention Committee, in Langford, British Columbia, January 2007.

Foster Care Home Program Pre-Service Orientation. Completing this eighteen-hour course is one of the required steps in becoming an approved Family Care Home in British Columbia. "Through its Family Care Home Program, the Ministry of Children and Family Development provides family-based care for children in care (under ministry care, custody or guardianship) as well as supports for foster parents." Langford, British Columbia, December 2006.

Working Across the Differences: Ways of Knowing, An Innovative Approach to Working Constructively with Conflict, a fifteen-week series, was facilitated by Sarala Godine and Kevin Looysen and presented by the South Island Foster Parent Association, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1996.

Sexual Abuse and Children With Disabilities, a one-day workshop, was facilitated by Alice Richard and Kathleen Lightman and presented by the Victoria Child Sexual Abuse Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1993.

Sexuality and People with Disabilities, a one-day workshop, was facilitated by David Hinsburger and presented by Community Options for Children and Families Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1991.

Challenge of Discipline, a four-session certificate course, was presented by the Ministry of Social Services and Housing, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1989.

Community Plans for People Moving out of Institutions, a one-day course, was facilitated by Keith Pennock and presented by Community Options for Children and Families Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1989.

Values and Methods for Living with Handicapped People, a three-month certificate course, was facilitated by Nathan Ory and presented by the Glendale Lodge Society, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1986.

Joint Workshop '85, "Helping Natural Families" and "Working Together Works Better", a two-day workshop, was presented by the Greater Victoria Foster Parent Association and Ministry of Human Resources, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1985.

Foster Parent Orientation, Ministry of Human Resources, Victoria, British Columbia. This was a required five-week certificate course to become a qualified foster parent. Victoria, British Columbia, 1984.

Feeding Orientation for Children with Special Needs, at the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1984.

Native Plant and Wildlife Workshops:

Cultural and Nutritional Significance of Native Plants: A Renewed Interest was presented by featured speaker, Professor Nancy Turner, BSc'69, who "researches the role of plant resources in Aboriginal life and languages," at the University of Victoria Alumni Association's Annual General Meeting in Victoria, British Columbia, June 2010.

Francis/King Regional Park Moss Landscapes of Vancouver Island. This was a Capital Regional District (CRD) Regional Parks slide lecture with guest naturalist, Kem Luther, followed by a walk around Francis/King Regional Park to practice moss identification skills. Saanich, British Columbia, April 2010.

Designing Your Garden with Native Plants Workshop, presented by the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, was taught by Native Plant Gardening Consultant, Pat Johnston, and Landscape Designer/Horticulture Technician, Barb Kohlman, who teamed up to create this day-long workshop that combined their knowledge about landscape design theory using native plants. We were taught how to choose appropriate plants and draw a design for our own particular garden conditions. A tour of Swan Lake Native Plant garden was included. Victoria, British Columbia, March 14, 2010.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Family Programs. With friends and family, and as a Friend of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, I attended the following special educational event: "A Hallowe'en Potion at Swan Lake." Victoria, British Columbia, October 2008.

Mill Hill Regional Park Nature's Stop, Look, & Listen Hike. This was a Capital Regional District (CRD) Regional Parks Summer Program for the whole family. Langford, British Columbia, August 2008.

4th Annual BC SPCA Wild ARC (Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre) Open House. "Wild ARC is southern Vancouver Island's only wildlife rehabilitation centre caring for over 1,700 injured and orphaned wildlife annually." The once-a-year tour of their facilities provides visitors with ways to help local wildlife. Wild ARC is located at 1020 Malloch Road, in Metchosin, British Columbia, March 2008.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Family Programs. With friends and family, and as a Friend of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, I attended the following special events during the summer school break: "Reptile Day" and "Pebbles Rock." Victoria, British Columbia, July and August 2007.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Annual Native Plant Sale Workshops. In between buying many native plants, in which the proceeds help support the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary's education programs, I attended two workshops: "Landscape Design with Native Plants," which was presented by Willie MacGillivray, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary's Site Manager; and "Enhancing Your Enjoyment of Backyard Wildlife," which was presented by Bill Merilees, a Naturalist. Victoria, British Columbia, April 21 and 22, 2007.

Basic Botanical Latin...,or Demystifying Botanical Terms. This Royal Roads University Continuing Education one-day course provided an overview of botanical Latin. The facilitator, Barrie Agar, is the Head Gardener at Hatley Park and has been teaching plant identification and propagation in the Horticulture Tech program at Malaspina University-College for over six years. Colwood, British Columbia, April 2007.

Mill Hill Regional Park Nature's Wild About Wild Flowers Hike. This was a Capital Regional District (CRD) Regional Parks Spring Break Program for the whole family. Langford, British Columbia, April 2007.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Family Programs. With friends and family, and as a Friend of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, I attended the following special events during the spring school break: "Night Eyes for Night Owls," "Bingo Around the Lake," "Guided Bird Walk," and "Animals Under the Oaks." Victoria, British Columbia, March 2007.

Native Plant Salvaging Techniques Workshop. This workshop, for members of the District of Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program, was facilitated by Pat Johnston. Victoria, British Columbia, March 2006.

Native Plant ID Workshop. This workshop, for members of the District of Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program, covered ways to identify native plants at all stages of growth, and was facilitated by Pat Johnston. Victoria, British Columbia, February 2006.

Native Plant Salvage Program Orientation Workshop. To become a member of the Native Plant Salvage Program, in order to be notified of native plant salvaging opportunities on property before development, participants were required to sign an agreement, after taking this prerequisite orientation workshop which covered the Program details, ethics, and basic salvaging techniques, through the District of Saanich Native Plant Salvage Program. It was facilitated by Nathalie Dechaine, Environmental Education Officer for the District of Saanich. Victoria, British Columbia, January 2006.

Native Plant Gardening Workshop. This 3-hour workshop, on gardening with drought-resistant native plants, defined the principles of waterwise gardening; identified native plants; reviewed the benefits of native plants; taught how and where to grow native plants; offered tips for reducing or eliminating lawns; provided information on how to create special natural habitats, meadows, thickets, and woodlands; discussed how to attract wildlife to the garden; and included an informative tour of the micro-irrigation system in the native plant garden at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. It was facilitated by Pat Johnston, a Native Plant and Waterwise Garden Consultant, and presented by the Capital Regional District at the Swan Lake Nature House, in Victoria, British Columbia, October 2004.

On-line Tutorials:

Trimble Global Positioning System Tutorial. This tutorial, which takes approximately two hours to complete, provides a basic understanding of the principles of GPS. The steps on how to Geocache are easy to follow on the Trimble Outdoors - Geocaching trip planning and GPS navigation using a GPS-enabled phone, 2006.

Other Workshops, Non-University Courses, Community Forums, and Certificates:

Climate Change and the Media: Scientists, Scribes and Spinmeisters. Speakers in this forum included Peter Calamai, former Science Writer, Toronto Star; Lucinda Chodan, Editor-in-Chief, Times Colonist; Jim Hoggan, Co-author of the bestseller Climate Cover-Up; and Dr. Tom Pedersen, Director, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, and was held at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, April 8, 2010.

Urgent Gathering to Celebrate and Protect Juan de Fuca Lands provided an opportunity to get a large crowed out to persuade the provincial government to saving the wild west coast. Speakers included Chief Gordon Planes, T?Sou-ke First Nation; David Anderson, Former MP and Environment Minister; Arnie Campbell, Otter Point and Shirley Resident and Rate Payers Association; Vicky Husband, Jordan River Steering Committee; and Calvin Sandborn, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre, and was held at SJ Willis Auditorium in Victoria, British Columbia, March 3, 2010.

Canadian National Debating Championship Judges Training was a two and a half hour training session in Canadian National Style debating, in order to be one of the judges in this two-day tournament where grade eleven and twelve students, considered the best young speakers and debaters in the country and who have competed for years, have won tournaments in their regions to qualify for this event. This year's National Championship Debates were hosted by Genlyon Norfolk School, in Oak Bay, British Columbia, April 2010.

Modernizing Access to Information: From Town Crier to Global Village, a "Right to Know Week" forum with David Loukidelis, Provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner; and Suzanne Legault, Assistant Information Commissioner, from the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada. This "Democracy 101" presentation, to "examine the state of open government in British Columbia," was held at the Greater Victoria Public Library, Central Branch, Victoria, British Columbia, October 1, 2008.

The Ten Commandments: Ten Steps to Healing, Health, and Happiness, a lecture by Marta Greenwood, sponsored by the First Church of Christ Scientist, Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, January 2008.

Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities, a one and one-half hour session presented by the Residential Tenancy Branch and Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Colwood, British Columbia, May 2007.

Spirituality and Healing Workshop: Prayer-based Healing, a workshop facilitated by David F. Stevens, C.S. and sponsored by the First Church of Christ Scientist, Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, January 2006.

Grappling With Planning for Graduate School: How, When & Why?, presented by the University of Victoria's Career Services. Victoria, British Columbia, February 2005.

Hit the Ground Running: Maximizing Your 1st Year on the Job, presented by the University of Victoria's Career Services. Victoria, British Columbia, January 2005.

What Can I Do With A Degree In Humanities?, presented by the University of Victoria's Career Services. Victoria, British Columbia, January 2005.

Excel: the Basics, presented by the Computing Education Programmes Education Services Group, University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, July 2003.

Excel: Advanced workshops, presented by the Computing Education Programmes Education Services Group, University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, July 2003.

Learning Skills Course, a four-week course offered at the University of Victoria, Counseling Services. The four-week course included either three 50-minute class sessions or two 80-minute class sessions per week. Content covered a variety of studying and learning skills in a lecture/discussion/demonstration format. Participants received specific self-help modules that described numerous study strategies and methods. Victoria, British Columbia,1997.

Beginners DOS, a set of six lessons to learn the fundamentals of DOS, facilitated by Ralph Loschiavo and presented by Big Blue and Cousins Personal Computer Users Association at the Pacific Forestry Centre. Victoria, British Columbia, October 1995-February 1996.

Home Purchase Financing, a three-hour session presented by the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation Centre. Colwood, British Columbia, 1990.

Wills, Estates, Probate and Related Topics, a one-hour session presented by the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation Centre. Colwood, British Columbia, 1990.

Becoming Assertive, a three-hour workshop presented by the British Columbia Teachers' Federation Status of Women Program. Victoria, British Columbia, 1990.

Stress Management Workshop, a five-hour workshop presented by the British Columbia Teachers' Federation Status of Women Program. Victoria, British Columbia, 1990.

Instructional Techniques for Adults, a one-day workshop facilitated by Donna Miller, manager of School District 62 Continuing Education. Content included characteristics of the adult learner, organizing subject matter, developing lesson and unit plans, audio-visual resources, and evaluation for potential instructors or those who were already working with adults. Langford, British Columbia, 1989.

Refresher French, an eight-session course presented by School District 62 Continuing Education. Langford, British Columbia, 1989.

Beginners Bridge, an eight-session course presented by the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation Centre. Colwood, British Columbia, 1989.

Community Values, a lecture sponsored by the First Church of Christ Scientist, Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, 1989.

Pre-Supervision for Support Staff, a four-day course designed for administrative support staff who were coordinating the work of up to five people, or who were likely to be promoted to a coordinating position in the near future. Content of course was based on knowledge, skills, and attitudes considered essential to supervisory success to train, motivate, and strengthen skills of staff by developing their own abilities. Major topics covered were communication, motivation, leadership, delegation, handling employee situations, and action planning. Public Service Commission, Ministry of Provincial Secretary and Government Services, Victoria, British Columbia. 1980.

Seminar - "Legal and Financial Management of Your Own Life", presented by Prime Time and the National Association of Women and the Law, in conjunction with Camosun College, Victoria, British Columbia, 1980.

Leadership in Action. This six-session Jaycees International course, presented by the Victoria and Arbutus Jaycees, developed and assessed leadership abilities and personal growth, through self-evaluation, goal setting, planning, and achievements, in Victoria, British Columbia, 1980.

The Transcendental Meditation, 7-Step Course, presented by the Transcendental Meditation Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, 1977.

Medical Claims Adjudication Training, Medical Claims Adjudication Training, Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. Content of this eighteen-month program included working in several departments in order to learn how to assess and process payment for insured physician services rendered inside and outside the Province of British Columbia, in accordance with the Medical Services Act, related regulations and policy, and the application of the Schedule of Costs. Victoria, British Columbia, 1974.

Medical Terminology, Public Service Commission, Victoria, British Columbia, 1974.

Class 5 Driver's License, British Columbia, Canada. First issued in Campbell River, British Columbia, in 1971. Still valid.

Writing and Storytelling Workshops, Symposiums, and Arts Conferences:

CanWrite! 2010, the Canadian Authors Association's 89th National Conference and Annual General Meeting, hosted by the CAA Vancouver Branch at the Harbour Towers Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, June 24-27, 2010.

Spoken Stories, Written Tales: An Exploration of the Commonalities and Difference between Literary and Oral Stories, presented and hosted by author and storyteller, Penny Draper, started a lively discussion group with the following questions: How does a story change when it moves from oral to written? Do our goals as facilitators (author/teller) change, too?; Are the roles of the narrator and the storyteller the same?; What is the difference in structure between written and oral stories? and How can we recreate the engaging tone and pace of oral stories in longer, written pieces so that readers can experience the same satisfaction as a listener? Saanich, British Columbia, May 2010.

The Importance of Programming: An Interactive Workshop for New and Seasoned Storytellers, presented by the Victoria Storytellers' Guild, and fascilitated by Micki Beck, a professional storyteller from Apsley, Ontario, was designed to develop self knowledge, learn how to gauge audiences, choose venues, select stories and activities, and create balance. Victoria, British Columbia, May 2010.

Mini-Workshop: Know Which Rules to Break was an interactive session led by Bernice Lever, from Bowen Island, who introduced her book, The Colour of Words: Easy English Grammar Using Colour Codes, and invited discussions about the following topics: Do you know when to use dialect, idioms, slang or other levels of language?; Can your creative language use confuse your reader?; and Every piece of writing evolves differently for every individual writer. What is acceptable today? The workshop was presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, and was held at the Holiday Inn, in Victoria, British Columbia, March 2008.

Symposium: The Performer in a Multicultural Society, presented by Puente Theatre. This two-day event to study and share strategies, tools, concepts, and techniques to promote diversity in theatre included the following presentations: "Race, Rage and Re-Imagining", with Chris Creighton-Kelly; "African Dance Workshop", with Maobong Oku and drummer, Yoro Noukussi; "Master Class: Blood Memory", with Dr. Iris Bannerman; Performance: "Chile Con Carne", written by Carmen Aguirre and performed by Romina Miranda; Performance: "Emergence", written and performed by Krystal Cook; Master Class: "The Celebration of Oral Tradition", with Krystal Cook; "Voice Workshop", with Bisia Belina; Staged Reading: "The Adventures of Ali & the aXes of Evil", written by Marcus Youssef, Guillermo Verdecchiea and Camyar Chai, and performed by Marcus Youssef and Camyar Chai; plus discussion groups, and much more, at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Oak Bay, British Columbia, August 25 and 26, 2007.

Drums Make the World Go Round: Drumming Clinic/Workshop, with master drummer and storyteller, Kenton Wyatt, was presented by CHILLacts. Participants in the Djembe Workshops (Beginner, which I took, and Intermediate/Advanced) met later for a Caribbean BBQ dinner and community drum jam at the 17 Mile Pub. Sooke, British Columbia, June 16, 2007.

Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils, 26th Annual Conference, "Creating Connections" and Annual General Meeting. Prince George, British Columbia, April 8-10, 2005.

Storytelling Symposium: Rafting the River of Story. Storytellers from South Africa, the United States, and across Canada converged at the University of Victoria to tell tales and discuss the many roles stories play in our lives. Hosted by the Department of Writing, at the University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, March 5, 2005.

Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils, 25th Annual Conference, "Building Community" and Annual General Meeting. Victoria, British Columbia, April 30-May 2, 2004.

Storytellers of Canada / Raconteurs du Canada, 5th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting. Vancouver, British Columbia, June 12-14, 1997.

Vancouver Society of Storytellers Annual Festival. Vancouver, British Columbia, June 13-15, 1997.

Experiential Workshop: Writing for Children included sessions with the following writers: June Cable, Andrea Spalding, Eric Wilson, and editor: Ann Featherstone, from Orca Book Publishers. It was presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, at the University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, April 1997.

Spring Into Story, a three-day storytellers' event, included a house concert, multiple workshops, and a public performance featuring storyteller and author, Nan Gregory. It was presented by the Victoria Storytellers' Guild. Victoria, British Columbia, April 18-20, 1997.

Male Protagonists in Fairytales, a five-session workshop to study and compare Jungian and Freudian interpretation and symbolism in Grimms' brothers and Charles Perrault versions of five fairytales and the way the stories were illustrated by different publishers, presented by Gizella Dompke. Oak Bay, British Columbia, February 4, 1997 to March 4, 1997.

Sing Well, Speak Well, a condensed singing and speech workshop, with internationally acclaimed lyric soprano, Najla Abujauda, presented by the Western Community Word Weavers, at the Goldstream Neighbourhood House. Langford, British Columbia, February 23, 1997.

Connecting with Editors, Agents & Publishers, a workshop with the editors from Monday Magazine, West Coast Reflections, and Island Parent; publishers from Orca Books and Beach Holme Publishers; and agent, Joyce White, was presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, at the University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, November 1996.

Female Protagonists in Fairytales, a six-session workshop to study and compare Jungian and Freudian interpretation and symbolism in Grimms' brothers and Charles Perrault versions of five fairytales and the way the stories were illustrated by different publishers, presented by Gizella Dompke. Oak Bay, British Columbia, September 17, 1996 to October 22, 1996.

Canadian Authors Association, 75th National Conference and Annual General Meeting, "The Many Facets of Writing". Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 20-23, 1996.

Transformative Power of Creativity, a lecture presented by the C. G. Jung Society of Victoria at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, April 1996.

1996 Spring Work Shop & Home Page Launch (http://www.canauthors.org/island), presented "Writing on the Web", with Frank Hilliard; "Cyberspace for Dummies", with W. D. (Bill) Valgardson; plus a presentation by Joni Gilkin, President of Big Blue & Cousins Computer Users Group. It was hosted by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, at the Royal Colwood Golf & Country Club. Colwood, British Columbia, March 1996.

Telecommunities '95 Conference, presented by The Swiftsure Project, a one-day training session for writers on how to use the Internet and HTML. It was held at the University of Victoria. Victoria, British Columbia, August 1995.

Canadian Authors Association, 74th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting, "The Writing Business". Victoria, British Columbia, June 15-18, 1995.

So You Want to be a Writer?, presented by the Periodical Writers Association of Canada, Victoria Chapter, included panel discussions: "Writing for Children" with Eric Wilson, Diane Swanson, Julie Lawson, and editor, Ann Featherstone; "Writing for Genre" with Robin Skelton, Joyce White, Ellen Godfrey, and Guy Chadsey; "Selling to Magazines" with Gery Lemon, Peter Salmon, and Kerry Slavens; and "Outdoor and Travel Writing" with Bruce Obee, Peter Grant, Fran Backhouse, and Rosemary Neering. It was held at Camosun College. Victoria, British Columbia, February 1995.

First Impressions Count -- Marketing in the 90's, with Kathi Webb and Nancy Belgue, presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch. Victoria, British Columbia, September 1994.

Advanced Photography, presented by Gerry Boivin. Content included advanced details about the art of photography, film, light settings, lens, use of the flash, and creating best pictures possible. Victoria, British Columbia, April 1994.

Introduction to Photography, presented by Gerry Boivin. Content included details about the basic art of photography, film, light settings, lens, use of the flash, and creating best pictures possible. Victoria, British Columbia, October 1993.

Canadian Authors Association's, 75th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting, "Write Foot Forward". Vancouver, British Columbia, June 17-20, 1993.

The Borderland, "where stories are mined deep within a writer, a place beyond the known in the land of creativity," was facilitated by June Cable, PhD, Writer and Storyteller, and jointly presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch and the Federation of BC Writers, at 1934 Fernwood Road. Victoria, British Columbia, March 1993.

Ways to Woo an Editor, with Mary Dawe, National President of the Canadian Authors Association (1989-1993), was presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, at the YM/YWCA. Victoria, British Columbia, February 1992.

Photography, with Murphy Shewchuk, was presented by the Canadian Authors Association, Victoria & Islands Branch, at the YM/YWCA. Victoria, British Columbia, April 1991.

Creative Writing, a ten-session course, was facilitated by Betty Gordon Funke and presented by the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation Commission, Community Education Division. Langford, British Columbia, 1984.

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Professional Qualifications and Summary

As well as ten years, as a civil servant, with the Provincial Government of British Columbia; and eighteen years experience providing respite and long term care for children and adults with diverse special needs, as a private contractor, plus numerous courses in caregiving; my background also includes the equivalent of eight and one-half years of university course work in the humanities, fine arts, and education faculties. I have a strong degree in English, which includes many Canadian Literature and Art in Canada courses; a degree in Creative Literary Writing; a Concentration in Social Studies/History; and all but a practicum completed in the Bachelor of Education Post-Degree Professional Program, for a teaching degree.

My university courses also included Canadian Cultural Policy; Script Writing and Video Production; Public Speaking; Acting; Electronic Publishing: Web Development, Design and Production; Introductory Linguistics and Grammar of English Usage Linguistics; French Reading, which satisfies the required reading ability in a second or third language for graduate work in English; Latin, which also satisfies the prerequisite reading ability in a second or third language for graduate work in English; Myth and Literature: The Questing Hero/ine; Greek & Roman Studies; Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; Folklore and Mythology Anthropology; Feminist Theory and Method Anthropology; Nineteenth-Century American Literature; Literature for Young Adults; The Earth System: Earth and Ocean Sciences; Human Geography: Culture, Society and Space; Special Topics in History which included Observers Observed: Anthropologists and First Nations in BC, 1880-1940; Natives and Newcomers: Encounters after 1897; The Inuit: From Traditional Society to Nunavut; History of Working Men and Women; History of Education; plus many other courses.

I am familiar with PC and Mac computers; several different word processing systems; numerous software programs including Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Excel, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Lotus WordPro, Microsoft Word, and Works Suite 2004.

My volunteer activities, storytelling, and other interests continue to enhance my experiences, skills, resources, and vast network, as well as enrich my professional qualifications.

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