"TAVA provides a connection to other professionals in the field that I may not make on my own. TAVA also offers great professional development, a connection to our provincial professional association and opportunities to lead and contribute to our community of professionals.”

AS SOMEONE WORKING IN VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT, HOW DOES TAVA HELP YOU?

TAVA provides a connection to other professionals in the field that I may not make on my own. TAVA also offers great professional development, a connection to our provincial professional association and opportunities to lead and contribute to our community of professionals.

AS SOMEONE WORKING IN VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT, HOW DOES TAVA HELP YOU?

TAVA provides a connection to other professionals in the field that I may not make on my own. TAVA also offers great professional development, a connection to our provincial professional association and opportunities to lead and contribute to our community of professionals.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO EXPLORE/ ENTER VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT AS A PROFESSION?

I worked in fundraising at a non-profit organization and much of my work was supported by volunteers. I wondered how volunteers were engaged and got to know the coordinator and her work. From there, I decided this was for me. I took the Volunteer Management course at Humber College and then became a CVA and have been working with volunteers in a coordinator or supervisor role for almost 10 years.

IN THE PAST YEAR, WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PROFESSIONAL PROJECT AND WHY?

Creating and implementing a virtual care coaching service to support both internal service providers, clients and team projects; and sharing it at an international conference. Virtual volunteering is entirely new to me so it was a very interesting project that challenged my engagement with volunteers. We are typically accustomed to working in person and there is something unique about virtual work that allows accessibility and requires different communication and engagement skills.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO ONE YEAR AGO, WHAT VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF?

Slow down. Do one project at a time. Take one step at a time. Learn as you go. Let things evolve.

WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?

Quietly reading to learn; Watching great movies; or just being with friends and family. I look forward to when getting together with family and friends is free and easy.