Jenna Widsten

is not afraid to make mistakes.

Education:
- student, Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (Douglas College) 
- student, Bachelor of Education, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies (University of Calgary through Douglas College's regional campus) 
- Classroom and Community Support Diploma, 2006

Work:
Community Support Worker for the Delta Community Living Society; Education Assistant for the Delta School District

Career goals :
To become a Behavioral Consultant or an Itinerant Teacher

Personal goals :
Obtain my Master's in Special Education; run a marathon

The instructors I had

in my diploma program were amazing. Each one of them has a lot of experience in this field which makes them very knowledgeable and optimistic. I am inspired by them and I am motivated by their stories of success. I want to become the best practitioner that I can.

I work with many students

with autism. I want to acquire more knowledge, skills and strategies to support them more effectively. This is an accredited program and a reputable institution. An added bonus is that I can use the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (DABA) citation towards my undergraduate degree. This will help me achieve my educational and career goals.

I am familiar with Douglas

since I got my diploma here. I appreciate that the class sizes are small - it makes for an intimate and supportive setting. Another important factor is that I can still work while going to school. The courses are offered in the evenings or online.

I am not really returning to school

as I haven't stopped since I graduated high school. I went to Douglas full time from 2004 to 2006. After that I decided that I wanted to work and gain practical experience. I recently decided to enroll into the University of Calgary's Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies Program and I can use the DABA citation towards my undergraduate degree.

It is alright

to make mistakes. My students make a point of telling me I am wrong, when I make a mistake. I am okay with that. I may have some practical experience and "book smarts" but I continue to learn new things each day. Also, each child I work with is unique; it is a constant learning process to find out what works for each student.

I think the DABA Program

will help me become a better practitioner. I will have new strategies and experiences, which means I can support children and the families more successfully.

Links

Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis
Classroom and Community Support
Autism Specialty Studies
Information Sessions
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