Jackie
Community Partcipation Services Program Director
705-742-0806 Ext. 25Bio
Jackie Bio
I have spent over a decade helping our clients explore their passions and expand their skill-sets. Throughout my career, my versatility and can-do perspective has allowed me to engage in nearly every facet of our organization, including the Building Bridges, Advance Skills and Fundamental Day Skills programs. I am currently the Program Director of Community Participation Supports, and strive to create meaningful ways for our clients to interact within their community.
My enthusiasm and ability to implement change when necessary has played an integral part in the success of our program, which I credit to my natural leadership skills, my diploma in Recreational Leadership from Fleming College, and my commitment to life long learning in the social service field. In my spare time, I love seeing live music, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Denise
Support Worker
705-742-0806Bio
Denise Bio
Denise joined the Alternatives team in 2007 as a support worker in both Individualized Supports and Fundamental Skills programs. Through her experiences as an EA and child development assistant, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her now full time position within the Fundamental Skills Day Program. Her outside the box thinking has her creating and running programs which have the students challenging themselves and learning in a fun way while enhancing their own unique skills. In her spare time, she stays busy as a mother of three, an enthusiast for baking and cooking and the outdoors.
Kia
Support Worker
705 742 0806Bio
Kia Bio
Kia has a College Diploma in Park Operations and Outdoor Education. She decided to go back to school a few years later as a mature student to receive a Social Service Worker Diploma. Kia first connected to Alternatives through a college/work placement at Peterborough Tri County Support Services. She was specifically a part of a Person Directed Planning pilot project structured by the government located at Tri County. Kia also worked within the TAY program visiting different day programs within the Peterborough area, ensuring that the TAY clients were being supported according to their individualized plans. As a result, she became familiar with Alternatives staff and clients and eventually joined the Alternatives team in 2011. Starting out in the Individualized Support Services for two years, Kia eventually moved over to Fundamental Skills where she now works full time. She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the day program as evidenced by the students desire to be a part of her groups. Kia stays busy as a wife and mother of her daughter Ruby and enjoys painting, reading, listening to live music and anything to do with the outdoors.
Joanne
Support Worker
705 742 0806Bio
Joanne Bio
Joining Alternatives ten years ago, Joanne has experience in Individualized Support Services, Employment Supports and Fundamental Skills program areas. She currently works part of her time within the day program and the remainder of her time providing individualized one to one support. Despite the diversity of program areas within Alternatives which Joanne has experience in, her heart lays within Fundamental Skills where she thrives at inspiring students to make learning fun. Likewise, her sense of humour and creativity has students engaged and excited to participate in programs. In her spare time, Joanne loves to be on her four wheeler exploring trails, on her boat enjoying the lake and on her porch feeding the wild life. She also thoroughly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and two dogs, Jinx and Dolly.
Samantha
Support Worker
705-742-0806Bio
Samantha Bio
Joining the Alternatives team in 2013, Samantha brings a contagious enthusiasm and passion for helping others which continuously encourages both the staff and students that she works with. She began her first year with Alternatives as part the Individual Support Services team to then move on to become a full time member of the Fundamental Skills Day Program. The breadth of knowledge and experience that she brings to the day program, has her ensuring that the students are effectively supported based on their individual needs. Sam’s fun loving and easy going nature also has her easily connecting with students as evidenced by their enthusiasm when partaking in her programs. She contributes to Alternatives’ wide initiatives through her active participation in the social committee and fundraising events. In her spare time, Sam enjoys anything to do with the outdoors, music and her family and friends.
Valerie
Support Worker
705 742 0806Bio
Valerie Bio
Valerie recently joined the Alternatives team this past year after completing a placement in the Fundamental Skills Day Program as part of her completion of a Developmental Services Worker diploma. Graduating with honours and receiving an award upon completion of the DSW program, Valerie prides herself on her hard working nature and dedication to the field. Valerie’s desire to learn about the individual needs of each student had her adapting quickly and confidently to the regular routines of the day program and preparation and implementation of a variety of programs. Her genuine and reliable nature has her easily connecting and creating trusting relationships with the students. Likewise, her knowledge and enthusiasm for American Sign Language serves to meet the needs of a number of students within the day program. In her spare time, Valerie enjoys reading, relaxing in the sun and spending time with family and friends.
