Getting to Know Grand Erie is a new weekly feature that puts the spotlight on one of the many Grand Erie staff members working towards the goal of Success for Every Student. The Q&A series brings the staff member into focus by sharing – in their own words – the lessons they’ve learned in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Do you know someone who should be featured? Let us know!
Angelika Collin
Communicative Disorders Assistant
What’s the best part of your job?
What was your first job, and what did it teach you?
Although it was a voluntary position, my first real work experience was at a hospital when I was in high school. From greeting visitors as they entered the hospital to transporting patients and taking attendance at the nursery, I developed a better understanding of people and realized how much I enjoyed helping others, and that in itself was very rewarding.
What motivates you?
Knowing that I can make a real difference in a student’s language and communication skills and academic success – helping students develop and improve their language and communication skills at school and in their everyday life is what motivates me.
What’s your favourite thing about working in Grand Erie?
Being part of the Speech and Language team, the Communicative Disorders Assistants and Speech Language Pathologists are a very supportive, knowledgeable and caring group of people. I’m always learning and gaining new knowledge from them; someone in our group always has an idea, strategy or resource to share.
How does your role contribute to Success for Every Student?
No two students are alike. Different students have different goals, and some need more support than others. In my role, I’m able to support a student’s individualized speech and language development, as well as provide programming resources and support for parents and teachers.
What’s a skill or talent you possess that might surprise people?
I can’t think of any amazing talents, but my chocolate chip muffins are always in high demand at my house, and my co-workers think I make a pretty good trifle.
Best advice you received?
Not advice that I was given but a quote that resonates with me, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Best advice you have given?
A kind word can go a long way. I try to remind myself daily: If you have something nice to say – say it! It might just make someone’s day.
What’s been your most important lesson learned during the pandemic?
Cherishing family and appreciating good health even more – and being grateful. I recently saw this posted outside of a school, and I think that this is very appropriate given the challenges that we have and are currently still facing this year: “Grace, patience, kindness – we’ve got this.”
What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family and pets. Pre-pandemic, I enjoyed road trips, travel, and musicals, and lately I’ve been reading, making crafts as well as gardening and baking.
Photos by Grand Erie Communications