Huronia Highlands Branch

Huronia Highlands Branch includes Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, and the regions of Muskoka, Huronia and Haliburton.

Board Members

Mario Spiler, President
Jill Lamourie-MacIsaac, Secretary
Morris Hudasek, Treasurer
Steve McDonald,
Sheri Upper
Samantha Short, Student Representative

Seeking New Board Members

Initiatives are being actively considered for increasing the number of professional social workers and social work students as new branch members. Efforts are being made to increase the board by an additional two members. Please contact our President, Mario Spiler, at mario.spiler@rogers.com. We generally meet the first Monday evening of the month.

Upcoming Branch Initiatives

Professional Development

We are hosting a workshop in June on the topic of Workplace Bullying.

Professional Advocacy

Strategies are being explored to increase the visibility of the Profession, the Association, the local branch and its membership and Board members’ involvement in the community.

One area of interest held unanimously by the board is the promotion of social work education. In our catchment area, we have three schools of social work: Laurentian University, Lakehead University and University of Windsor. The first two offer the BSW degree, and the third offers the MSW degree for working professional social workers.

Our board members hold multiple professional roles in the community that range from Project Officer at the North Bay-Perry Sound District Health Unit, Regional Services Coordinator for the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Psychotherapists in private practice, Professors of Laurentian University at Georgian College, Student Coordinator with the University Partnership Centre, and Program Facilitator of the MSW Off-Campus Program at the University of Windsor’s School of Social Work. We are a very diverse group of professionals that continue to exemplify and demonstrate professionalism, leadership and a commitment to social justice and human rights. 

From the Community

The University Partnership Centre of Laurentian University at Georgian College is attempting to roll out a full BSW Program in the area, possibly as early as September 2009. It is suspected this will have a huge impact on the number of Social Work students in our catchment area. This is being viewed as a positive development in providing greater accessibility for student seeking Social Work education. It is anticipated this will also have a positive impact on our branch.

Annual General Meeting

We are moving our annual meeting date back to the Fall, possibly at the beginning of October in the evening.

Recent Branch Initiatives

The Branch hosted a workshop on Friday June 19, 2009, at the Kempenfelt Centre, Barrie. The topic was Workplace Bullying. The speakers were: Ruth McKay, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor for Carleton University in the Sprott School of Business where she teaches courses in organizational theory, change management and human resources; and Jae Fratzl, M.A., A.T.R., is a Registered Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association and a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association.

Social Work Week

Dr. Steve McDonald reviewed the social work promotional video and contacted Rogers Cable about airing it and being interviewed.

Board members approached local agencies working with seniors and their families in our Branch area. We brought social work promotional materials and met with staff and clients.

In lieu of obtaining a speaker for Social Work Week this year, the Board made a donation of $1,000 to the Red Cross, both at the Muskoka ($250) and Simcoe ($750) branches to assist with transportation for the elderly to attend medical appointments.

Bursary

New plans for a student bursary are being considered that do not restrict it to Laurentian University. Our area also has students from Lakehead University and University of Windsor. Students will be invited to apply for the bursary by email.  A flier will be created to explain application requirements and will be made available at the career fair booth.

A student bursary presentation was made in March to a Georgian College student.

To view the current newsletter, [click here].

Contact Information

President & Provincial Board Representative: Mario Spiler