Emily Marino
Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies
Degree: Educational Support
Year of graduation: 2015
Loving Her Work
People may believe that the job of an educational assistant is limited to working with children. Educational Support grad, Emily Marino works with individuals of varying abilities 21 years of age and older as an educational assistant and teacher at a local day program.
Her daily responsibilities at the Centre in Mississauga include providing personal care, managing challenging behaviours and encouraging independence in daily living. She also teaches dramatic arts to the students and co-teaches the Centre’s new work experience pilot project.
The work demands both physical and mental strength, says Emily. “Not only is personal care a very high need in this program, but the thought and effort behind providing the best care for each person can be exhausting.”
On top of her full-time responsibilities, Emily attends Ryerson University as a part-time student in the Disability Studies Program.
But, she wouldn’t have it any other way, adds Emily. “The rapport I have developed with the staff and students is something I value very much. Since I was a young girl, I knew this was the field for me, so I try to find the positive in any situation I am faced with. I could not picture myself in any other field of work!”
As a recent grad, Emily recalls her Sheridan student days vividly. “My Sheridan experience is one I will cherish forever, thanks to the professors along with an extremely encouraging and welcoming school community,” she says. “In addition to gaining skills in regards to support, technology and strategies, I was reassured that my previous knowledge and experiences were valued and beneficial in furthering my education. I still look back at my notes from previous classes to affirm my thinking.”
Learn more about Sheridan’s Educational Support program
People may believe that the job of an educational assistant is limited to working with children. Educational Support grad, Emily Marino works with individuals of varying abilities 21 years of age and older as an educational assistant and teacher at a local day program.
Her daily responsibilities at the Centre in Mississauga include providing personal care, managing challenging behaviours and encouraging independence in daily living. She also teaches dramatic arts to the students and co-teaches the Centre’s new work experience pilot project.
The work demands both physical and mental strength, says Emily. “Not only is personal care a very high need in this program, but the thought and effort behind providing the best care for each person can be exhausting.”
On top of her full-time responsibilities, Emily attends Ryerson University as a part-time student in the Disability Studies Program.
But, she wouldn’t have it any other way, adds Emily. “The rapport I have developed with the staff and students is something I value very much. Since I was a young girl, I knew this was the field for me, so I try to find the positive in any situation I am faced with. I could not picture myself in any other field of work!”
As a recent grad, Emily recalls her Sheridan student days vividly. “My Sheridan experience is one I will cherish forever, thanks to the professors along with an extremely encouraging and welcoming school community,” she says. “In addition to gaining skills in regards to support, technology and strategies, I was reassured that my previous knowledge and experiences were valued and beneficial in furthering my education. I still look back at my notes from previous classes to affirm my thinking.”
Learn more about Sheridan’s Educational Support program