Meet the Herd: Nadine
Meet the Zebra Centre’s Community Connections Coordinator Nadine. She tells us about her unique role on our team, memorable moments connecting with the community, and much more!
Q: Tell us about your role as Community Connections Coordinator.
Nadine: Initially, the role of the Program Support Coordinator was a pilot, but as the needs of the Zebra Centre changes and the Centre continues to evolve, we have finally adjusted the role to reflect my portfolio. I have a unique role where my portfolio is split between the Child & Youth Support department and the Communications & Fund Development department.
Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as Community Connections Coordinator look like?
Nadine: Each day starts off with going to the Multidisciplinary Intake Meeting to share information about young peoples’ history with the Zebra Centre. I create all the RCMP support files that are accepted at the meeting. Then for my afternoons, I’m busy coordinating, planning, and presenting to community members to raise awareness about child abuse. You might also see me around the Centre giving people tours, meeting with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, planning events with the Zocial Club, or watering the plants!
Q: What do you love most about your role?
Nadine: I love the connections that I get to make with partners and the community! Child abuse is such a large social issue – the support, wisdom, and skills from EVERYONE plays a part in keeping the children and youth in our community safe.
Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far?
Nadine: Gosh, there have been quite a few great moments, many of which have brought tears to my eyes. A recent moment was when I was presenting to junior high students in December and a student asked to chat with me afterwards. We sat together as they told me about how they’ve been impacted by abuse in the past and how they’re starting to heal from the trauma. Their self-awareness and openness touched my heart. Not only did this student have the courage to come up to me after a presentation, but they also told me about how adults have been supportive, and they are receiving professional support.
Q: What motivates you to show your stripes?
Nadine: I show my stripes proudly so that young people know that they are not alone and the adults surrounding them know how to protect them. It takes immense strength to journey through the impacts of abuse, especially as a child, but when a protective, supportive circle is formed around those who are hurting, the journey becomes a bit easier.
Q: Lastly, share a surprising or fun fact about you.
Nadine: I read 93 books last year!