Health Care Leader & Psychotherapist

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Health Care Leader and Psychotherapist?

At this stage of my career, I have the opportunity to bring together my experience as both a health care leader and a psychotherapist to support meaningful organizational and community outcomes. As the Director of Quality, Communications, and Community Outreach, I primarily manage the volunteer program, community outreach and marketing, leading Accreditation, the Ethics Committee, and implementing the strategic plan within the organization. My experience in the community as well as my experience as a psychotherapist has shaped my leadership approach, reinforcing the importance of empathy, ethical decision making, collaboration, and continuous quality improvement. I am committed to building strong teams, fostering a culture of accountability and learning, and advancing initiatives that enhance the quality of care, strengthen community partnerships, and support positive outcomes for the people we serve.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first “real” job after graduating was as a Life Enrichment Aide at a private retirement residence. I had always known I wanted to work with older adults, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like. I had been very involved in the social side of my grandfather’s care while he was living in long-term care, and that experience made me realize how much of a difference meaningful connections and activities can make. Starting in a retirement residence felt like a natural first step because it was a setting I was already familiar with. That role confirmed that I had found the right field. It sparked a genuine passion for working in the seniors’ sector and gave me a much broader understanding of the different career paths available. I quickly realized there were so many opportunities to make an impact beyond recreation, from quality improvement and leadership to ethics and organizational planning. Looking back, that first job gave me a strong foundation and helped shape the direction of my career in ways I never expected.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Health Studies & Gerontology – McMaster University
• BA Religious Studies – McMaster University
• MSW – University of Windsor
• Project Management Certificate – University of Toronto

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader

What have you found most beneficial about the specific degree program you completed at McMaster?

My degree has allowed me to understand how people behave based on the values from the religions and cultures they have been surrounded by. As a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Social Impact Lead, I use the knowledge I have gained from my degree to create programs and processes to create inclusive environments where everyone is able to thrive and be successful.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Sciences degree?

Social sciences degrees allow you to be a versatile professional in the hiring market. We are taught to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, team players and more. Whether you are in sociology, economics, anthropology, or religious studies we are all taught through our lectures and assignments how to research and be analytical which is a transferable skill in any job.

What advice would you give to a current Social Sciences student who is exploring career options?

Make sure you attend career fairs, company info sessions, and network! It may be nerve-racking to attend these types of events but, it will help you a lot in your career search. The reason why I work at my current company is because I went to a career fair and stayed connected with the recruiter who I had met at this event.

Catholic Chaplaincy Leader

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Catholic Chaplaincy Leader?

I work as the Chaplaincy Leader at Christ the King Catholic Secondary School within the Halton Catholic District School Board. I provide pastoral counselling to students and staff, act as a religious consultant for teachers and admin, facilitate service initiatives, organize spiritual retreats, lead the school in public prayer, promote the sacraments, and maintain relationships with the local priests and religious leaders to ensure they are integrated into the life of the school. Whether it be in front of the whole school, a classroom, or one student in need, my career involves A LOT of talking. It is perfect for someone like me who, ironically, was always in trouble for talking too much as a high school student. More importantly, it allows me to teach, promote, and live my Catholic faith.

What was your first job related to your degree after graduating?

After graduating from McMaster I completed an MA in Theological Studies at the University of St. Michael’s College affiliated with the University of Toronto. My first job after that had little to do with my education. I worked in sales. While I was very happy with the money, my wife and I planned to have kids and so she suggested I find a job with better work-life balance. She literally found my current role on Indeed. Knowing that I had an Honours BA in Religious Studies, an MA Theological Studies, and experience as a Youth Minister, she recommended I apply. The rest is history.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Religious Studies with minors in Political Science and History – McMaster University
• Master of Arts, Theological Studies – St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto