2018/2019 Award Winners
School Counsellor of the Year: Michael Walsh
Michael is currently working as a school counsellor at Bishop Feild School in St. John’s. He has worked as a school counsellor with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District since 2002 at a variety of schools. He has also worked with youth at such other organizations as Waypoints, John Howard Society and the Murphy Centre. Additionally, Michael has spent time working as the provincial consultant for Safe and Caring Schools with the Department of Education and the Coordinator for Safe and Caring Schools for the Eastern School District. Michael is identified as an exemplary school counsellor who goes over and above the call of duty. His school refers to him as compassionate, competent and professional. “Mike is an extremely valued member of our Bishop Feild community. Michael is also known for his involvement in Restorative Justice, Roots of Empathy and LGBTQ initiatives. It should also be noted that Michael is a long standing member and supporter of the NLCPA and served a term on the provincial executive. Congratulations to Michael on this well-deserved recognition from his colleagues and peers.
School Psychologist of the Year: Florence Strang
Florence is a registered psychologist with the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board and school psychologist in the Avalon East Region of NLESD. Florence has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of Education and Psychology. She is the author of the best-selling book, “100 Perks of Having Cancer”, Calm the F. Down! A Day in the Life of an Autism Mom”, and most recently “Soul Steps: 52 Ways to Re-Connect With Spirit”. As a motivational speaker, Florence has entertained and inspired audiences on a provincial, national and international level. In 2014, she delivered a TED Talk, which focused on her belief in the power of positive thinking. Florence runs a busy practice in St. John’s, where she specializes in stress management and anxiety reduction. She has spoken countless times at our NLCPA conferences, and is a wonderful choice for the first School Psychologist of the Year Award.
NLCPA Lifetime Achievement: Tamar Kelly
This year’s NLCPA Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tamar Kelly. Tamar convocated from Memorial University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education and went on to convocate with a Bachelor of Special Education in 1988. She began her teaching career in the Toronto Catholic District School Board from 1988 – 2000. After returning to Newfoundland, Tamar began her studies at Memorial University and convocated in 2004 with a Master of Education. From 2002 – 2008, Tamar was a Special Education teacher with the Avalon East School Board and later with the Eastern School District. Since that time, she has been a School Counsellor at Leary’s Brook Junior High, St. John Bosco, Janeway Hospital School, and Villanova Junior High, where she is at present. Professional development continues to be of utmost importance to Tamar. She has been involved in extensive professional development including Friends for Life, CPI, Lions Quest, Restorative Justice, Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits, Suicide Alertness, Self-Mutilation, as well as all provincially directed training for school counsellors. Since 2009, Tamar has been a committed member of the NLCPA executive. In this role, she has worked tirelessly for our Association, through conference planning, fulfilling the duties of a treasurer, attending meetings, and always being a cheerleader for its members. Time and time again, Tamar has proven to be a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Tamar is well-deserving of this award!!.
Ron Martin Memorial Scholarship: Jon Lodge
This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated proficiency within the field of school counselling (through previous experience, coursework and internship placements), documented community service, academic achievement, and a desire to influence change (as epitomized by Ron during his own career). This year, Jon Lodge was the recipient of the Ron Martin Memorial Scholarship. Jon stands out consistently as a prospective school counsellor for his personal qualities, eagerness to learn, and his commitment to students. His career as a Math and Physical Education teacher has brought with him a vast knowledge and relatability to student and staff needs. Along with that, Jon displays patience, kindness, and compassion to all students he encounters. Jon displays a great dedication to his work and has been learning varying techniques and approaches when counselling students. He is certainly deserving of the Ron Martin Memorial Scholarship for 2018/2019!
NLCPA Honorary Lifetime Members
2017 – Peggy Hann
2016 – Maggie Warren
2015 – Eric Short
2014 – Darryl Chippett
2013 – Glenda Ball
2012 – Dr. Beaton Walsh
2011 – Nancy MacDonald
2010 – Lorraine Pittman
2009 – Dave Bishop
2008 – Dave Warren
2007 – Chris Cooper & Alana Walsh-Giovannini
2006 – Jack Jardine
2005 – Dr. Glen Sheppard