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

Department Documents

Here are some online documents:

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

I was a city girl who was transplanted to the country. I've spent 35 years in a variety of helping professions, the last 13 of which have been for Prairie Rose. This should give you some idea of the great satisfaction that I get from this kind of work. I spend some time ranching with my husband Larry, motor-biking, crafting and visiting with our daughters. I try to walk and stretch for health reasons. My friends would describe me as organized, intuitive and sometimes too direct. I have a quick wit but my kids tell me that I don't disguise my emotions very well. My favourite food is popcorn. I am a Cancer. I don't remember the 70's very well.

Schools

New Brigden, Oyen Public, Warren Peers, Bindloss, South Central

Phone: 403-664-0230

Email: fern.derie@prrd.ab.ca

I work at Foremost, Parkside, and EBHS as an FSLW, in addition to being a provisional psychologist. I'm a middle-age video-gamer with three children and a devoted and amazing wife. Our cat, Felipe, is a purebred ragdoll cat, which means that when you pick him up, he'll just flop out of your hands like a limp Raggedy Anne doll (and he graciously puts up with the abuse of young children). I grew up in Calgary, but Medicine Hat is my true home. Additional fun facts: I have a problematic addiction to Mrs. Vickie's Salt and Vinegar chips, my Ford Taurus is a travelling wastebasket, and I just finished slate-walling the stairs on my 97-year-old home.

Schools

Parkside, Eagle Butte High, Foremost

Phone: 403-581-1818

Email: greg.godard@prrd.ab.ca

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

Seven Persons, I.F. Cox, Jenner

Phone: 403-548-1257

Email: janay.gregory@prrd.ab.ca

Schools

Irvine

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, Manyberries, 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

Ralston, Bow Island Elementary, Senator Gershaw

Phone: 403-502-2126

Email: tanya.ridgedale@prrd.ab.ca

Schools

Irvine

Phone: 403-548-1686

Email: tara.mckee@prrd.ab.ca

Schools

Behaviour Consultant

Phone: 403-548-5695

Email: di.robson@prrd.ab.ca

Hi, I am the newest member of the Family School Liaison Worker Team and I am very pleased and excited to be here! I have a Bachelor in Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and am currently working on my Clinical Masters of Social Work through the University of Calgary. In the past I have worked at a variety of agencies including Children’s Services, the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter and with the Parents as Teachers program. I am very interested in utilizing strategies that facilitate growth and positive change. I am originally from Calgary and have spent the past 15 years in Medicine Hat. I am married to Gary and have three almost grown children and a dog named Taz. I love to watch my children play sports, particularly football and rugby. My husband and I are continually working on our 96 year old home, which I call a work in progress and I love to garden and do arts and crafts.

Schools

Irvine, Schuler

Phone: 403-548-0857

Email: lily.laurent@prrd.ab.ca