Tenure with WECDSB: 10 years as an Applied Behaviour Analyst and a Program Specialist 

What do you do to help students? As a program specialist, Ms. Tope-Ryan implements preventive proactive procedures in elementary and secondary schools. She works with school administration, Child and Youth Workers, students and their families to make these procedures possible. She also works with students who have exceptionalities by providing services to them such as Individual Education Plans, or the Friends for Life program, in which students build their social skills and resilience through achieving their goals and making the most out of their setbacks. She assists students who are coming back in to school from outside agencies such as Maryvale or the Regional Children’s Centre by providing them with the necessary means to get back into the routine of school. Ms. Tope-Ryan also helps students by providing class and/or individual interventions to help them progress through their drawbacks.

What keeps you motivated? Ms. Tope-Ryan is motivated by her desire to see students succeed. Being surrounded by children and being creative everyday is also an important factor in keeping her motivated.

What do you love most about your job? Ms. Tope-Ryan loves working with children and teens in a creative way where she can watch them thrive and learn. She also loves working in such an inclusive environment where there is something different to accomplish every day.