About
I am dedicated social researcher and program evaluator that has led me to valuable experience with community research. I am passionate about working with people with lived experience, specifically in the disability community. My research aims to provide opportunities for co-creation and person-centered outcomes, ensuring that my research is grounded in community and the voices of those in it. Ultimately, I believe research and evaluation are important opportunities for story-telling, change and discussion.
I strive to create a positive working environment and establish a meaningful and impactful relationship with colleagues and communities. My work, volunteer and academic experience have provided opportunities to be involved in influential causes. These experiences have allowed me to build skills with children and youth, large staff teams, volunteers, and gain valuable experience in research and community development.
I have experience working with numerous communities including the disability community, low-income, equity-seeking groups, youth and children. I have conducted program evaluations for organizations such as United Way Greater Toronto, Ministry of Education, Toronto Community Housing, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Calgary Homeless Foundation. I am a Credentialed Evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Activity
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We want to create more inclusive employment opportunities for young people by improving and finding new ways to develop digital skills such…
We want to create more inclusive employment opportunities for young people by improving and finding new ways to develop digital skills such…
Liked by Erika Clark
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📢 We're recruiting evaluation consultants across Canada! Are you an experienced evaluator passionate about empowering community organizations? Join…
📢 We're recruiting evaluation consultants across Canada! Are you an experienced evaluator passionate about empowering community organizations? Join…
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It was Summer time at SickKids today! Olympic Gold Medallist Summer McIntosh stopped by for a game of Bingo (Olympics-themed, of course)! The visit…
It was Summer time at SickKids today! Olympic Gold Medallist Summer McIntosh stopped by for a game of Bingo (Olympics-themed, of course)! The visit…
Liked by Erika Clark
Experience
Education
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Activities and Societies: •Presented paper “Invisible Pain: Stigma and Invisibility in the Experiences of Young Adults Living with Chronic Pain” at Qualitatives Analysis Conference, London, June 2015 •Presented paper “The Jesuit Relations: Aboriginal Healing, Medicine, and the Smallpox Epidemic, ” Canadian Sociological Association Conference, Ottawa, June 2015 •Presented paper “The Balancing Act of Pain: The Everyday Experiences of Young Adults Living with Chronic Pain,” Jane Synge Conference, Hamilton, April 2015
Innovative and original research focused on young adults living with chronic pain. Completed fifteen interviews with participants between the ages of 18 and 30 addressing social stigma of chronic pain conditions. Research proposal experience writing ethics for the McMaster Research and Ethics Board.
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Activities and Societies: President of The Social Focus Club 2013/2015 - Presented paper “The Pain of a Lifetime: The Everyday Experiences of Young Adults Living with Chronic Pain” at Qualitatives Analysis Conference, London Ontario, June 2014
Focus area of study:
Qualitative and quantitative social science research methods
Health and work, health and geography
Criminology and deviance
Social inequality
Social psychology
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Director of Downhill Day Trips
High Park Ski Club (HPSC)
- 4 years 1 month
I served on the Board of Directors for two terms, including through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I assisted in the development of the HPSC COVID-19 Risk Framework, worked with each ski hill to develop policies that abided by their health policies and the regional health authority, and reorganized the downhill portfolio to navigate the changing public health situation.
I organized, coordinated and facilitated four day trips per weeks to local resorts for alpine ski and snowboard…I served on the Board of Directors for two terms, including through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I assisted in the development of the HPSC COVID-19 Risk Framework, worked with each ski hill to develop policies that abided by their health policies and the regional health authority, and reorganized the downhill portfolio to navigate the changing public health situation.
I organized, coordinated and facilitated four day trips per weeks to local resorts for alpine ski and snowboard members. This included coordinating with each resort, organizing the bus, bus captains and volunteers, coordinating between 50-150 members per trip and facilitating the trip logistics and member experience. Per season, the portfolio sent 800+ members on a downhill trip. I also worked closely with the Downhill Snow School which includes 100 CASI and CSIA ski and snowboard certified instructors to ensure members had opportunities to enroll in the class of their choice.
I maintained a decades-long partnership with the ski industry including Blue Mountain, Mount St.Louis Moonstone and private clubs, as well as Pacific Western Transportation and Attridge bus companies.
I maintained a large budget as well as coordinating a core group of volunteers, in addition to approximately 25 secondary volunteers in various roles. I collaborated closely with other board members including the President, Director of Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Director of Finance and Director of Membership to ensure the portfolio was effective and efficient year round. -
Volunteer
High Park Ski Club (HPSC)
- Present 7 years 8 months
I am an active member of High Park Ski Club, contributing through assisting to run day bus trips to various ski hills, leading overnight ski trips, contributing to the marketing portfolio and social events.
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Volunteer
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada
- 2 years 5 months
Education
I facilitated house tours to visitors and guests of honour and was an advocate for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes management and healthy lifestyle in accordance with the Canadian Diabetes Association.
My role as a volunteer involved supporting and facilitated World Diabetes Day events annually and involvement in historical research utilized in museum exhibits. I was the recipient of Ontario Volunteer Service Award for service at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada 2014 in recognition of…I facilitated house tours to visitors and guests of honour and was an advocate for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes management and healthy lifestyle in accordance with the Canadian Diabetes Association.
My role as a volunteer involved supporting and facilitated World Diabetes Day events annually and involvement in historical research utilized in museum exhibits. I was the recipient of Ontario Volunteer Service Award for service at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada 2014 in recognition of outstanding service to the museum and community events.
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Junior Counsellor
Camp Huronda
- Present 16 years 2 months
Children
My role as a Junior Counsellor involved assisting the counsellor in leading, facilitating and caring for 6 to 8 campers ages 8 to 15 and was responsible for well-being, health, and experience of campers. I assisted area program staff in maintaining camp property, facilitating camper programs, organizing camp activities and contributing to camp atmosphere and life. Experience in handling sensitive material and interactions with campers and parents.
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Volunteer at Diabetes Hope Foundation
Diabetes Hope Foundation
- Present 13 years
Children
I have been involved in various annual events as a volunteer with the Diabetes Hope Foundation. This includes:
Diabetes Hope Foundation Walk of Hope 2008 – 2011
Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony Volunteer 2011
Diabetes Hope Foundation Youth Day 2015
I am an active advocate for teenagers and young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes. I received the Diabetes Hope Foundation Carly Armel Award in 2010 for my dedicated commitment to the diabetes community and diabetes…I have been involved in various annual events as a volunteer with the Diabetes Hope Foundation. This includes:
Diabetes Hope Foundation Walk of Hope 2008 – 2011
Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony Volunteer 2011
Diabetes Hope Foundation Youth Day 2015
I am an active advocate for teenagers and young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes. I received the Diabetes Hope Foundation Carly Armel Award in 2010 for my dedicated commitment to the diabetes community and diabetes education.
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President
Social Focus Club at Brescia University College affliciated with The University of Western Ontario
- 1 year 1 month
Education
The Social Focus Club is a student organized and founded club at Bresica University College providing educational and community involvement resources to Family Studies, Community Development and Sociology Students. Part of my role as president was managing nine volunteers overseeing all club obligations and activities. I acted as a representative for The Social Focus Club at Brescia University College Student Council meetings, fall and spring open house for incoming students and university…
The Social Focus Club is a student organized and founded club at Bresica University College providing educational and community involvement resources to Family Studies, Community Development and Sociology Students. Part of my role as president was managing nine volunteers overseeing all club obligations and activities. I acted as a representative for The Social Focus Club at Brescia University College Student Council meetings, fall and spring open house for incoming students and university facilitated events. I facilitated bi-weekly meetings, coordinated volunteer responsibilities and facilitated monthly student events, information sessions and university faculty coordination and assisted with managing club budget including budgeting for monthly events, large scale purchases and fundraisers. I facilitated the successful community fundraiser for “Wadeng: Wings of Hope” including communicating with community partners regarding donations, collaborating with executive director and founder Jacob Deng, and advertising fundraiser to the university and broader community.
Publications
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Optimizing Virtual Delivery of Stroke Education: A Program Evaluation Protocol
Common Ground Research Networks
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health and social service organizations have rapidly
modified and adapted stroke support services to provide virtual delivery options. Virtual programming
removed barriers for many people with disabilities allowing for timely, convenient, and efficient access to
programming. The Heart & Stroke Living with Stroke™ program is an eight-week virtual program designed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke) and delivered by March of…In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health and social service organizations have rapidly
modified and adapted stroke support services to provide virtual delivery options. Virtual programming
removed barriers for many people with disabilities allowing for timely, convenient, and efficient access to
programming. The Heart & Stroke Living with Stroke™ program is an eight-week virtual program designed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke) and delivered by March of Dimes Canada
(MODC) and other organizations. The program provides education on various stroke-related topics, as well
as peer support for people who have experienced a stroke and their caregivers. A program evaluation is
being conducted by MODC and Heart & Stroke to understand the impact of the virtual program, identify
opportunities to improve its delivery, and inform best-practices for community-based programs offered
through a virtual medium. Two evaluation approaches will be used over the two-year study period. The
Year 1 phase will leverage a developmental evaluation approach to assess program implementation,
measure short-term and medium outcomes, and make adjustments to the program and evaluation tools.
Year 2 will measure both process and short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes, and assess the program
for feasibility and expansion. Results of the study will be disseminated through our partner network, at
national and international conferences, and in international journals. -
Vertical Legacy: The case for revitalizing the GTA’s aging rental tower communities
United Way Greater Toronto
Vertical Legacy documents the growing precarity experienced by mostly racialized,
low- and moderate-income legacy tower renter households, and concludes with a series
of equity-centered policy and program solutions aimed at rebalancing the opportunity
equation by strengthening the social, financial and physical infrastructure within tower
communities. Substantive change requires cross-sector systems-level solutions attuned
to the interdependencies of public and private sectors…Vertical Legacy documents the growing precarity experienced by mostly racialized,
low- and moderate-income legacy tower renter households, and concludes with a series
of equity-centered policy and program solutions aimed at rebalancing the opportunity
equation by strengthening the social, financial and physical infrastructure within tower
communities. Substantive change requires cross-sector systems-level solutions attuned
to the interdependencies of public and private sectors and the need for both to advance
simultaneous and complementary economic, environmental and social outcomes that uplift
legacy tower communities and the residents who call them home. The tower solutions
advanced individually and collectively by public and private sectors over the past
decade create a strong foundation for deeper, more holistic systemic solutions. -
Peel Region Social Capital Study (Contributor)
United Way Greater Toronto
Peel Region Social Capital Study is the first report to measure social capital in Peel, assessing pre-pandemic baseline levels. Specifically, the report assesses how much residents trust their neighbours and institutions; how extensive and satisfying their social connections are; how civically engaged they are; and how they feel about their neighbourhoods’ safety and services. While the results are largely encouraging, social capital is inequitably distributed: those with lower incomes and less…
Peel Region Social Capital Study is the first report to measure social capital in Peel, assessing pre-pandemic baseline levels. Specifically, the report assesses how much residents trust their neighbours and institutions; how extensive and satisfying their social connections are; how civically engaged they are; and how they feel about their neighbourhoods’ safety and services. While the results are largely encouraging, social capital is inequitably distributed: those with lower incomes and less financial security face greater barriers to accessing social capital. The report informs how sectors can work together to overcome those disparities, mitigating crises in the worst of times, and help people thrive in the best of them. This report was conducted in partnership with the Region of Peel, Wellesley Institute, and The Community Foundation of Mississauga.
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York Region Social Capital Study (Contributor)
United Way Greater Toronto
York Region Social Capital Study is the first report to measure social capital in York, assessing pre-pandemic baseline levels. Specifically, the report assesses how much residents trust their neighbours and institutions; how extensive and satisfying their social connections are; how civically engaged they are; and how they feel about their neighbourhoods’ safety and services. While the results are largely encouraging, social capital is inequitably distributed: those with lower incomes and less…
York Region Social Capital Study is the first report to measure social capital in York, assessing pre-pandemic baseline levels. Specifically, the report assesses how much residents trust their neighbours and institutions; how extensive and satisfying their social connections are; how civically engaged they are; and how they feel about their neighbourhoods’ safety and services. While the results are largely encouraging, social capital is inequitably distributed: those with lower incomes and less financial security face greater barriers to accessing social capital. The report informs how sectors can work together to overcome those disparities, mitigating crises in the worst of times, and helping people thrive in the best of them. The study was undertaken with support from The Regional Municipality of York, York Regional Police, and Wellesley Institute.
Honors & Awards
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Canadian Sociological Association Outstanding Graduating Student Award
Canadian Sociological Association
Recognition of contribution to the academic community of Sociology throughout my undergraduate education. This included Dean's Honour Role, President of the Social Focus Club, volunteering with community organizations and research involving young adults living with chronic pain.
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Ontario Volunteer Service Award for service at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada 2014
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada
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Brescia University College Community Involvement Scholarship Recipient
Brescia University College
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Diabetes Hope Foundation Carly Armel Award
Diabetes Hope Foundation
Recognition of dedicated commitment to the Type 1 diabetes community, specifically with children and youth. Advocate for diabetes management, education and a healthy lifestyle with Type 1 Diabetes.
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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French
Limited working proficiency
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Congratulations to former SickKids patient turned Olympic champion, Abby Dent! The Canadian women's eight rowing team member captured silver at the…
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Thrilled to share a major milestone 🎉 My 1st lead-author article has been published in the journal Aging and Health Research! Many thanks to my…
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✨ Are you a parent of a child age 1-12 with a disability in Toronto/GTA? This summer we’re piloting our new kids program, Move Learn Grow! The…
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So pleased to be attending and a presenter at Stroke Education Day at @Health Innovation Acceleration Centre in St. John’s, NL! Dr. Pat Parfrey just…
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