Family School Liaison Workers

The purposes of our program are to:

1. Provide support to students and families who may be experiencing difficulties
2. To act as a resource and provide a liaison between families and the school system
3. To provide outreach and resources for families requesting services within the community
4. To develop or facilitate community education programs based on identified needs.

Please see our brochure in the documents section for more information.

Resource Links

• Southern Alberta Health Network
• Family Resource Center
• Parent Link Center
• Behavior Toolbox
• Student Health Parent Survey 2010-11

Department Documents

Here are some online documents:

• 09-10fslwbrochure.pdf
• Referral Form
• FSLW Schedule
• Children's Resource Guide 2009
• PAS Referral Form

In 1999 I was fortunate to join the FSLW Team and I continue to enjoy the challenges and people with whom I work. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. My special areas of interest are in the use of play and art in counseling. As Plato is quoted as saying, "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation," and I feel this statement is even more significant when we are talking about children and teens. I have a lovely family consisting of my husband, two sons ages 6 and 2 and a dog. Outside of spending time with my family, I adore reading all sorts of books, cooking and practicing yoga.

Schools

I.F. Cox, Jenner

Phone: 403-548-1257

Email: janay.gregory@prrd.ab.ca

I have been a Family School Liaison Worker with Prairie Rose School Division since September 2001 but previous to that worked in some of the Brooks schools in the same role. I moved to Medicine Hat in 1996 after graduating from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) with a BA and a focus in Criminology. This was my original career path (police officer) and I was an auxiliary police officer with the Redcliff RCMP for a short while until I realized my true passion was working with children. My schools have included Eagle Butte and more currently Schuler, Irvine and the MHCS. I began working part time (.6/.7 position) in 2006 after returning from my first maternity leave. My family consists of 2 boys (Nicolas born in 2005 and Luke born in 2008) and my husband Cory. We love to travel as a family (especially home to NL!) as well as be active together at home. I also love to read, photograph my kids (and other willing participants!) and spend time with my family and friends. I feel fortunate to be part of the hard working and fun FSLW team and I look forward to many more years working with Prairie Rose!

Schools

Irvine, Schuler

Phone: 403-548-1686

Email: jennifer.hynes@prrd.ab.ca

I am excited to say that I was the very first Family School Liaison Worker hired to work for the "Redcliff School District" way back in 1990. I have provided counseling services for students and families at I.F. Cox, Margaret Wooding, and Parkside, and this year have ventured out to the country, making weekly trips out to Burdett and Manyberries. My background is in Social Work, having received my BSW from the University of Calgary in 1980. I have worked at various other agencies including Social Services (Child Welfare and income support) Medicine Hat Women's Shelter, a Group Home for teenagers and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I am married to John and am the mother of 3 kids...Mathew, Amy and Logan, 1 dod... Takoda (a beautiful Golden Retriever) and a cat... Snicklefritz. I love to be outdoors, spending time with Takoda along with arts and crafts, scrapbooking and making photobooks. I have to say that working for Prairie Rose has been the highlight of my career and I look forward to the 2008/09 school year!

Schools

Margaret Wooding, Burdett

Phone: 403-502-5054

Email: elaine.terry@prrd.ab.ca

My name is Tanya Ridgedale and I am in my tenth year with Prairie Rose School Division as a Family/School Liaison Worker. I have had the opportunity to work in Burdett, Manyberries and Foremost School but at present I work at Bow Island Elementary, Ralston and Senator Gershaw School, along with St. Michael's in Bow Island. I feel very fortunate to work in such a great environment and getting to know all the families and staff in the communities and Schools that I visit each week. I work three days a week which is a great balance between working and being a Mother of two. My husband and I keep very busy with all their activities but enjoy every minute of it.

Schools

Parkside, Ralston

Phone: 403-502-2126

Email: tanya.ridgedale@prrd.ab.ca

My name is Tara McKee and I have been working as a Family/School Liaison Worker since November of 2008. Currently, I am working three days a week with the children, families, and staff at Seven Persons School, Bow Island Elementary School, and Senator Gershaw High School. I have a wonderful husband and son (who is graduating from high-school this year!) who I love to travel with and spend time enjoying life with. On my days off, you will most likely find me behind a book, or having a tea while catching up with friends. My family has just been introduced to the wonderful world of geocaching, so we are looking forward to the many adventures that await us out in the 'wild'! I feel honoured to work with the great people here at Prairie Rose and am excited about beginning another year here with the schools.

Schools

Seven Persons, Bow Island, Senator Gershaw

Phone: 403-548-1686

Email: tara.mckee@prrd.ab.ca

Schools

Behaviour Consultant

Phone: 403-548-5695

Email: di.robson@prrd.ab.ca

I graduated from the Child and Youth Care Worker program from Medicine Hat College in 2000. I have been employed in many different roles focusing on supporting children, youth, and families as a youth worker, family support worker, and family school liaison worker. I am a recent grad from the University of Calgary possessing my Bachelor Degree in Social Work. My passions include community development, working with youth, and advocacy. Prairie Rose School Division gave me the opportunity to move back home to my rural roots of Oyen, AB in 2010. I am excited to be back living in a small, safe, caring, and active rural community with endless opportunities. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and our five kids usually watching their activities, camping, or helping on the family farm.

Schools

Oyen Public, Warren Peers, New Brigden, South Central

Phone: 403-664-0230

Email: marie.pedersen@prrd.ab.ca

My name is Emma Wright and I am very excited to join the Family School Liaison Worker team. Currently, I work three days a week in Eagle Butte and Foremost schools. I obtained my BSW in 2006 and am currently completing my MSW. Previously I have held a variety of positions working with children, youth and families. I moved to Medicine Hat ten years ago from Nova Scotia and appreciate the beauty of the prairie. I look forward to working with and learning from the staff, students and families of the Prairie Rose School Division.

Schools

Foremost and Eagle Butte High School

Phone: (403) 581-1818

Email: emma.wright@prrd.ab.ca