Lesley Slade (Co-President)
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I have been in the field of education in a variety of roles since 2007 (with a small break when I had my two children), and have been a Psychologist in education since 2018. I am currently living in Springdale, with my husband, two teenage boys, and my dog Chewie (my BFF). I work with the 11 schools on the Baie Verte Peninsula and in the Green Bay area, and love every one of them. I love a good True Crime podcast (especially when it involves Keith Morrison), and I love to make things (Crochet, sew, cook - you name it).
Why did you decide to become a School Psychologist?
My parents were both educators, and when I was growing up, education was just a way of life (I joke that I grew up in a school - I spent more time there than pretty much anybody else I know). As a kid, my mother studied to be a psychologists, with us spending our summers in Ottawa for her to do this. I remember sitting and reading the DSM for fun. I knew from that early age that Psychology was going to be my thing. Education was also so ingrained in me, that I was also very passionate about that - School Psychology married my two passions together.
What do you love about being a School Psychologist?
I love that as a school psychologist, I can be available for any child/student who needs me. I love that I get to work with students one-on-one and help them learn and grow as human beings. I also love education, and I love helping teachers and educators work with children.
A resource you love and want to share:
In my job, I do a lot of travel, which means listening to lots of podcasts! A couple of my favourites include The Testing Psychologist and Not Your Average School Psychologist.
I also regularly refer to the CADDRA website: https://www.caddra.ca/
A favourite quote/affirmation/mantra/saying:
"Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view."
~ Obi Wan Kenobi
"Ah, Kindness. What a simple way to tell another soul that there is love to be found in the world."
~ Alison A. Malee