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Gentle Teaching Stories: “I’m empowered to new heights as a leader, support, and friend.”

You are here: Home1 / Our Stories2 / Blog3 / Gentle Teaching Stories: “I’m empowered to new heights as a...

Gentle Teaching Stories:

“I’m empowered to new heights as a leader, support, and friend.”

July 25, 2023/inBlog, Gentle Teaching, Stories

COR has empowered me to consistently reach new heights as a leader, support, and friend by investing in my growth by believing in my character & vision. Being shown years of opportunity, I am now motivated to actively show others their worth and help them access similar opportunities. I now understand where my heart truly is; seeing people lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives.

The work I’ve done with COR consistently reveals how fulfilling it is to see those I care about succeed in their own ways and understand that every person has a unique gift to offer the world. This valuable insight has helped concentrate my passion for health and wellness into a meaningful future filled with empowering people to become the best versions of themselves. The Gentle Teaching philosophy incorporates compassion for people, putting dignity and respect at the forefront of the way we offer support. I’ve learned to see people for the amazing qualities they have, rather than treating them as a condition, behaviour, trauma, or challenge.

“Really, it starts and ends right there; continuously empathizing with people and treating them as a person first.”

Gentle Teaching provides unique tools to best support the needs of that person to begin healing / progressing as they are, rather than simply meeting a standard set for them. Adopting this philosophy has been one of the most natural and important investments I’ve made in myself and who I am becoming.

Every day, we interact with people in our homes, neighbourhoods, communities and social groups. From how we greet a friend, to simply holding the door for a complete stranger, it is the genuineness in that encounter that defines our character. Gentle Teaching has taught me to be mindful of the way I interact with people as they may not remember what we say or what we do, but the love and compassion we show will make a lasting impact. Gentle Teaching showed me how much growth I needed to find within myself in order to care for and nurture all of my past, current, and future relationships. The way we treat other people is a true reflection of how much love we are first able to give ourselves.

The adoption of Gentle Teaching has facilitated the person I aspire to be and the direction my life is moving so naturally. It has shown me the power of relationships and how essential it is to build connection with others in order to establish trust and foster growth between both parties. Throughout more than five years with COR and under this philosophy, I have learned that the only way to empower someone to accept support and grow as an individual, trust must be established and remain at the core of your relationship. Growth and improvement is often met with hesitation, and when people experience a revolving door of support and people in their lives, lack of trust prevents any growth.

“Utilization of Gentle Teaching within my life has allowed me to reach a better version of myself daily.”

It has directly impacted the support I give and teaches me to accept the support from others, trusting they will be there for me when I need it as well. It has taught me the importance of my presence and how to project my energy in a loving, safe and welcoming way. Providing equitable opportunities for people to intrinsically see value in themselves and invest in their health is my passion. My vision and direction requires the utmost patience, unconditional acceptance and trust built every step moving forward. When people actively get the impression that we as supports aren’t leaving, a door for continuous trust and companionship presents itself. This can only occur when gentle teaching is at the core of the connections we build with people, which is precisely the person I aim to be everyday.

Sawyer
COR family member

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Oct 31

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That’s a wrap on Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) 2025 💜

This month, we’ve highlighted stories of inclusion, belonging and leadership from workplaces across Regina — stories that remind us what’s possible when we all choose to create space where everyone can contribute and thrive.

To every inclusive employer, 4to40 partner and supporter who continues to champion real work and real belonging — thank you.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Saskatchewan.

#DEAM2025 #4to40 #Inclusion #RealWorkRealPay #CommunityImpact #Saskatchewan

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Oct 30

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Real work. Real belonging.

When Ukrainian Co-op( @ukrainian_coop_regina ) welcomed Stephanie to their team through the 4to40 initiative, they gained more than an employee — they gained a dedicated team member whose pride and positivity brighten every shift.

With the support of an inclusive workplace and a caring team, Stephanie is learning new skills, growing in confidence, and feeling right at home.

Because inclusive employment isn’t about charity — it’s about connection, opportunity, and belonging.

💜 October is Disability Employment Awareness Month — a time to celebrate stories like this.

#4to40 #DEAM #DEAM2025

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Oct 27

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A Chain Made Stronger.

When the University of Regina partnered with 4to40, they weren’t just filling a role — they were building belonging.

For John Papandreos, Manager of Custodial Services and Campus Grounds, inclusion starts with intention. Through 4to40, his team welcomed Jarred, whose dedication, positivity, and pride in his work have made him an essential part of the University community.

Because inclusive employment isn’t about charity — it’s about recognizing potential, creating opportunity, and strengthening every link in the chain.

💙 October is Disability Employment Awareness Month — a time to celebrate stories like this.

➡️ Read the full story — link in our bio.

#4to40 #DEAM #DEAM2025

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Oct 23

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Wasn’t that a party?!
Halloween came early again this year for the #1 costume party of the Season!
🎉 Sir Dance-a-Lot is BACK!!! 🎊 

📻 Thank you DJ Verbal for spinning those spooky tracks 👻 

🗣️ Shout outs to @chipanddalehomes for being an incredible partner again this year for Sir Dance-a-Lot!

🗣️Shout out to the @cityofregina for supporting our concert and dance series every year. 

🗣️Shout out to @mamaweyatitan for being the host with the most again this year!!

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Oct 20

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Last but certainly not least, we’re thrilled to welcome back the highly anticipated Self-Advocate Panel at the 2025 Prairie Sexuality & Disability Conference!

Join Self-Advocates Jamie, Calvin, Shelley, and Courtney as they share their personal experiences with sexual health education, dating, relationships, support systems, and much more! This engaging panel offers powerful insights from individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, understanding, and lived experience. Hosted by Natalya Mason ( @natalya.mason ), this conversation promises to be honest, empowering, and deeply informative.

DETAILS:
• October 29–30, 2025 | Regina, SK
• Only a few tickets remain, don’t miss your chance!

Grab one of the last remaining tickets. Link in bio!

#PSDConference2025 #SexualityAndDisability #Inclusion

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Oct 16

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Real work. Right fit.

When Sticks & Doodles ( @sticksanddoodles ) needed an extra set of hands, they found more than just an employee — they found Mik. Through the 4to40 initiative, Mik joined the team and quickly became an essential part of their creative process.

Inclusive employment isn’t about charity — it’s about strengthening workplaces and unlocking potential.

💜 October is Disability Employment Awareness Month — a time to celebrate stories like this!

➡️ Read Mik’s full story - Link in our bio.

#YQR #DEAM #DEAM2025

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Oct 16

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Inclusion, by design. 🫂 
Every day we imagine this world. Every day we engage in intentional actions to nurture, teach and sustain our connectedness to one another. 

On October 4th, we celebrated that connectedness through Inclusion Regina. 
#inclusion #corfam #couragetocare

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Oct 15

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Celebrating Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety ( @skgov ) for their leadership in inclusion!

Vanessa is proud to be part of the Saskatchewan Public Service — proving that inclusive workplaces create space for everyone to thrive.

#4to40 is thrilled to highlight your commitment during Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)!

Learn more at 4to40.ca

#RealWorkRealPay #InclusiveEmployers #DEAM #Diversity #Inclusion #NDEAM #SKDisability #4to40 #CourageToCare

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Oct 14

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We’re happy to announce Kristyn White (She/Her) and Bonnie Cummings-Vickaryous (She/Her) as co-presenters at the 2025 Prairie Sexuality & Disability Conference!

Kristyn is the Literacy Facilitator at Creative Options Regina (COR) and a passionate researcher focused on accessible, inclusive sexuality education for people with disabilities. Her work is shaped by both academic research and frontline caregiving experience.

Bonnie is the Executive Director of Astonished ( @beingastonished )!, where she leads with heart, strategy, and a deep commitment to disability inclusion and community building. Her background in non-profit leadership and teaching adds rich insight to every space she enters.

Bonnie and Kristyn will be unveiling a brand-new resource for caregivers on how to best support people’s sexuality in an inclusive and affirming way!
 
DETAILS:
October 29–30, 2025 | Regina, SK
There are only a FEW tickets left. Don’t miss your chance!�

WANT TO PURCHASE TICKETS? LINK IN BIO!

#PSDConference2025 #SexualityAndDisability #Inclusion

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Oct 13

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This Thanksgiving holiday, we’re grateful for our community - for every moment of connection, joy and support that brings us together.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth and belonging.

#Thankful #CORCommunity #GratefulHearts

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Oct 11

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🌟 Celebrating COR’s 2025 Academic Bursary Recipients! 🌟

We’re proud to recognize the following employees who have been awarded COR’s Academic Bursary in support of their ongoing learning, personal growth and professional development:

Princewill Unuigbe, University of Regina, Computer Science
Saad Rashid, University of Regina, Psychology
Belan Tsagaye, University of Regina, Sociology
Marvin Goodluck, University of Regina, Kinesiology and Health Studies
Shayla Cake, Aspire Academy, Artist Acceleration Program
Adekemi Oloyede, University of Regina, Kinesiology and Health Studies
Jenna Hehn, Douglas College, End of Life Doula
Lindsay Surtees, University of Saskatchewan, RN Specialty Practice Graduate Studies
Darby Kraus, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Psychiatric Nursing
Gurneet Brar, University of Regina, Biochemistry
Jhett Folk, University of Regina, Psychology
Josephine Gawdyda-Synk, University of Regina, Indigenous Studies 
Param Singh, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)
Olayemi Raji, Queen's University, Post degree certificate in Special Education
Ethan Longney, University of Regina, Computer Science 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients. We are beyond PROUD!

@uofreginaofficial 
@douglascollege 
@usask 
@saskpolytech 
@aspire_academy 

#CORfam #CORBursary #LifelongLearning #GrowthAndDevelopment #Congratulations

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Oct 10

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Meet Our Next PSD CON Speaker: Natalya Mason (She/Her)!

Natalya ( @natalya.mason )  is a sexual health educator, social worker, and community advocate based in Saskatoon on Treaty Six Territory. A Black first-generation Canadian and queer feminist, she’s passionate about social justice, reproductive rights, and inclusive education.

She’s worked with organizations like Saskatoon Sexual Health ( @yxesexualhealth ), SIECCAN ( @_sieccan ), and Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan ( @sass.sask ), and currently works at the U of S College of Medicine ( @usaskmed ) in the Division of Social Accountability.

We’re looking forward to the powerful insights she’ll bring to PSD CON 2025!

DETAILS:
* October 29–30, 2025 | Regina, SK

* Less than 10 tickets left. Don’t miss your chance!

WANT TO PURCHASE TICKETS? LINK IN BIO!

#PSDConference2025 #SexualityAndDisability #Inclusion
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