Meet the COR Family: Rachel Burgoyne

Hi, I’m Rachel! I am a Youth Team leader at COR and have been here for just over 2 years. I acquired a Bachelor of Kinesiology beginning in 2016. I began at COR after completing my bachelor’s in 2021 and spent time supporting Ruby, Lanie and Serena! I first learnt about COR in tandem from my good friend Kassie, and through a course around disability that was a part of my undergrad where Serena came to give a presentation. I was lucky enough to then get to know her better throughout my time supporting her team at COR.

One of my favourite aspects of being a team leader (TL) is the opportunity to grow and learn both personally and professionally. I am able to work at both deepening my knowledge in a culture of gentleness and then in turn, teaching it to my team. Being part of COR has further strengthened my passion for leadership, nurturing, and creating an inclusive community. Being a part of COR has made me incredibly proud to be included in an organization that practices what we preach. I have never felt more valued, supported, and included in my workplace by not only my team, but other team leads and senior leadership. I know I have grown in so many areas thanks to my time at COR. Such as gentleness, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.

My advice for prospective supporters is to come into your experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn and try new things. Gentle teaching is easy to grasp, but often asks supports to stretch themselves to try things in a new and uncomfortable way compared to how people might previously have been taught. Supports who are open to new and sometimes challenging experiences often flourish and in turn, help those we serve learn, grow and achieve their goals.

Fun Facts about me:

I love reading. I read many different genres, but recently I have been most interested in non-fiction and more educational. Two of my favourites recently have been “Death Interrupted” by Blair Bigham, MD; or “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. Both of these books challenge how we view each of the topics they speak on and I think they teach us more about ourselves by showing a new perspective. Outside of those books, I love reading a variety of genres like fantasy, classics and thrillers.

A favourite quote I heard recently was from the Dare to Lead podcast by Brene Brown. “Love shared between people is a powerful stabilizing force. Our relationships ground us in our commitments to each other, even as our circumstances become uncertain or quickly change” From a conversation she had with Mike Erwin and Willys Devoll.

I love doing puzzles and have a 3000-piece one that I have completed hanging up in my apartment.

In my free time, you’ll often find me out on adventures with my dog!