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COR Stories: Pete’s Triumph Over Adversity and His Path to COR

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Pete MacNaughton is not only a Key Support Worker at COR, Pete wears many hats in the community; Pete is a pastor at the Chris Lutheran Church; a firm advocate for the most vulnerable people of our society such as the people affected by homelessness; a volunteer for many important causes and has also been one of the people on the Pride Committee for many years. Pete is equally known for his beautiful personality and his beautiful smile. Pete was born in Regina and raised in Fort Qu’appelle for a number of years before moving again to Regina. Pete also comes from a religious family; Pete’s dad is a pastor. Pete has not always been the happy and smiling individual that we know at COR, Pete had a difficult childhood and adolescence stemming up from being born in a dysfunctional family as he described but also struggling with his self-identity as a gay man.

Pete was 4 years old when he came to the realization that he was different from other boys in his pre-k class. He was already aware that he has an attraction for boys. Asked about how he knew this at such a tender age and he said that he felt special around boys and deep down in his heart, he knew he was different. “When I got older, around the age of 8 or 9, I tried to really control the attractions I felt for boys, I tried to make myself attracted to girls,” said Pete. During the 70s and 80s, it was more than taboo to talk about sexuality, yet alone, talking about being interested with the same sex as yourself. “There were a lot of stigmas and shame with being gay” mentioned Pete.

Even though, he tried his best to cover up his homosexuality, Pete said everyone knew he was gay. “I have been called all types of words, kids told me I should have been a girl and I was a misfit. I felt rejected in Grade 5 and Grade 6” shared Pete.

Pete shared that he was constantly bullied in High School. “I even had a gym coach who made fun of me and made the kids laugh at me. I was called a “Fag” on a daily basis”. Pete remembered an incident that took place during recess. “I was bullied by a kid and one day the kid told me that I smell “fag” and in return I told the kid that the smell was coming from him and advise to use a deodorant”. Pete said he didn’t know where he got the courage to tell him that and all the kids laugh at the boy that was bullying him. That afternoon, after school, Pete was physically assaulted by that boy. Pete said that day he felt good about himself for standing against bullying and for being able to stand up for himself. But soon, he realizes that he was alone and thoughts of killing himself started to come to his mind more and more. At this moment in time, he started to experience mental health. He felt that he was living a nightmare and that there were no better days to come for him and there was no way his life was going to get better or ever be normal. Pete lived with a lot of stress and depression.

Pete said that his mother used to attend AL-Anon group- Al-Anon is a fellowship group designed to help people who are affected by a loved one’s drinking behavior. The support group is also commonly referred to as the Al-Anon Family Group. Pete’s dad was a pastor, but his dad also had an alcohol addiction problem and it really disrupted their lives at home. “Mom used to come home and tell me what she has learned from this group and she also learns about mental health and how to cope with mental health issues during crisis and this really helps me with my mental health”, shared Pete. At this point, Pete said he felt safe with his mom but he didn’t feel safe outside of the home.

Pete shared that he felt so lonely that he befriended a teacher and one day the teacher told him to go away and go play with other kids. “I compensate those feelings of loneliness and feeling isolated with overeating, I had nobody on my side, I felt the pressure of the world on my shoulders, I am grateful though I had my mother and my family from my mother’s side”. Pete said that her mother knew but they never talked about it when he was small.

Pete also shared that he didn’t want to bother his mother with his problems, he mentioned that mom was already going through a lot with dad’s alcohol addiction.

Pete grew up in a religious family, later at university, he steps away from his Christian faith community because he knew he will never be accepted as a gay man. Pete started to learn about the 2 spirited individual from the indigenous faith led community. His perception at that time was that the Indigenous community was more welcoming towards the gay people and towards differences. “I so wanted to fit in and to be part of the community,” said Pete. He also mentioned that he tried to stay away from his own Roman Catholic faith.

Pete has not yet come out as a gay man, but he was starting to want to be in a relationship. But it was not easy at that time, “I had a friend that I came out to him and he was my boyfriend”, said Pete. “At this point, he was the only person that knew I was gay,” said Pete.

At university, Pete thought there will be many conversations, he soon realizes that he was there to learn only what the lecturers wanted them to learn and this didn’t motivate him to continue studying at the university. Even though, he was getting over 95% of my papers, he felt that he was never going to learn anything that really matters to him. Pete dropped out of university and started working at a cleaning company. The owner-a woman told Pete that he can mentor him not be gay. Pete shares that he was young and naïve and thought that he needed someone to save him. Soon, Pete realized that again he was in a dysfunctional relationship with his employer but for years Pete worked at this cleaning company.

Pete finally came out as a gay man at the age of 25 years old. Pete shared that he felt pressured to come out as he has started to join the Pride Community to organize Pride, and as his dad was the pastor at the church, he felt it was important to let his dad know that he was part of the community and he is gay. Pete didn’t want anyone telling his dad other than him. His dad told him that it was okay as long as people are not aware that he was gay.

Pete shared that his coming out was very liberating and it was also very uplifting. It has been a long road and there were and there are still many battles to win. It was as if some of the pressure and sadness were released.
Pete started going to a bar to meet people but didn’t feel safe and even to this day, he confesses he does not feel safe in bars. His first relationship was with an artist and it lasted only 6 months and he went into a depression again. During the same time, he was working 90 hours per week, he didn’t have much time to socialize and felt like a hermit.

Soon, he was in a depression and everything seem to go the opposite way, something was missing in his life and Pete knew that he had to reconnect with his catholic faith, and he shared that he felt a heavy weight lifted from his shoulder. Pete started to research to find out how he can be part of the church as a gay man. With time and perseverance, Pete has finally found his way with his faith and as a gay man in the church setting. It took many years of suffering and being isolated from everybody.

Pete shared that when he met his boyfriend, Dan, everything sort of fell into place and it gives him confidence in himself. “Being queer is part of my identity”, said Pete. Dan helped Pete with key decision about his professional life and told him to apply at Turning Leaf. At Turning Leaf, he finally found his calling, which is to help and support people with intellectual disabilities.

Later, Pete applied and was hired at COR, where Pete said he feels like he belongs and will one day retire from COR.

“Gentle Teaching is my language, it’s what I believe and what I preach, finding myself so in line with my faith in my workplace is in itself a blessing” mentioned Pete.

Asked about have we can all embrace acceptance of the LGBTQIAS in our society, Pete states that we need to eat patriarchy, male dominance, everything that is the opposite of gentle teaching. “Gentle teaching is all about love and sin is the absence of love,” said Pete. Pete goes further saying that if we all embrace gentle teaching in our lives, we will be more accepting of our differences.

Pete also said that loving ourselves is fundamental, this is the only way to break barriers. “We also need to recognize that privilege in our society is killing our planet and is killing love”.

Pete recognized that his experience in this world as a gay person made him support people at COR with honesty and integrity. “COR is so in line with every fiber of who I am as a person”.

Pete shared that he was lucky to have his mother as an ally, who always accepted him and accept him as he is and never asked him to change. “I recognised that I am lucky this way, some people do not have anyone supporting them, as a white man, I am privilege too, I know that it is tough for gay people that are also people of color and it might be harder for people in other countries,” said Pete.

Asked if it is easier to come out now and Pete said that it is easier for white men to come out; according to Pete, transgender people suffered more than anyone and people of color equally have to go through a lot to come out and sometimes they simply never come out as a gay person fearing for what might happen. Pete said that in his experience upper class and middle-class white men and white women can come out more easily than other people.

Pete also wants the world to know that vulnerability is something we all have in common. Embracing our vulnerability is how we make the change. According to Pete, we cannot embrace vulnerability if we are still in privilege mode. We need to accept first that we are in a place of power and privilege and that change starts with us. Pete also said that gentle teaching is not only what he uses at work but it is part of his existence. “Gentle Teaching is at the core of who I am as a human being”, said Pete.

Pete will soon step into an important part of his life; Pete is happy to share that he is getting married to the love of his life. If you see him, please take some time to congratulate him as this is a big phase of his life. Sometimes marriage is taken for granted as it is easily accessible but in many countries’ marriage between people of the same sexes are still not legal, in some countries, it is even considered a crime and has serious consequences.

Pete, we love having you as part of our COR family, thank you for being you and for changing the world one person at a time. We wish you the best and congratulation for your upcoming wedding. We look forward to celebrate you and your achievement in the organization.

Written by Joana Valamootoo

Meet The COR Family: Lindsay Surtees

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Hi, I’m Lindsay! I am a Registered Nurse and have been in my position with the COR Health Team for a little over a year. I have been involved in the disability sector for the past 15 years in varying capacities. I first heard about COR while working at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. My journey with COR started nearly 10 years ago when I moved to Regina to attend the U of R. I left Regina in early 2014 to pursue some other goals and opportunities in Alberta, but returned in 2018 to attend nursing school. As soon as I returned to Regina, I knew I would like to be involved with COR again, as I had had a very positive experience as a support years earlier. I was thrilled to get to join the same team and reunite with the individuals I had supported previously! I went back into a support role while I attended University. Once I graduated nursing school, I spent some time working in the Emergency Room before joining the COR Health Team in early 2022. I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to combine my passion for supporting individuals with disabilities with my nursing and healthcare education/experience in my role with COR!

I have had many, many positive experiences and opportunities during my time with COR. Individuals with disabilities experience greater health disparities than those without. In my role with the health team, I am given the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to advocate for better health outcomes for those we support. Being a small part of something that helps lead to healthier and happy lives for those supported is very rewarding. I am proud to be a part of an organization that values relationships, community and connection. COR has given me many opportunities to learn and grow into a better support, a better person and a better nurse.

My advice for prospective COR candidates would be to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn! Supporting COR is fun, rewarding, challenging and enriching. There are so many opportunities within COR to grow, connect, engage and learn.

fun facts about me:

-I’m almost always listening to a podcast

-I use to work as a whitewater raft guide

-I coach CrossFit

-I LOVE reality TV shows

-I am trained as an End of Life Doula

Meet The COR Family: Daymion Tyndale

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Hello, I’m Daymion! I have a dual role at COR: SLP support worker and a facilitator of the Short Breaks program. I have been working at COR for about two years and have been enjoying it a lot! If I could describe my journey at COR in one word it would have to be continuous. COR has helped me realize who I am and made me realize that I am a leader and not a manager.

I first learned about COR from my brother, Stefan. He told me more about what COR was and how it would be a great fit for me and here I am! So far, Short Breaks have been one of my favourite projects. It helps me utilize my talents and skills as an individual who enjoys helping others and entertaining all at once. One of my proudest moments would have to be when the people we support begin to trust me and when they have their proud/successful moments. If you love working with people, have a lot of patience and would like to work for a company that truly cares about its people, then this is the place to be.

Fun facts about me:

I started reading “Be Water, My Friend” by Shannon Lee. I find that a lot of Bruce Lee’s teachings mirror Gentle Teachings.

My favourite quote is “If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” – Marcus Garvey

My free time is spent either with my family and friends doing various activities or video gaming by myself. There may be an occasional book.

Meet The COR Family: Morianna Fink

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Hi, my name is Morianna, and I am with Mentorship & Outreach at COR.  I’ve been with COR since 2009. I first learned about it through a friend of mine that I worked with at another organization which also provided support to people. My journey began as a direct support and very shortly after I became a Team Leader. Within that year, my position shifted into a Supportive Living Team Leader role, which eventually morphed into Supportive Living Coordinator. Fast forward maybe 5 or 6 years from then where I became part of the Mentorship & Outreach team and where I still am currently. Another aspect of my role has been facilitating some training that we offer. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to facilitate MHFA (Mental Health First Aid), Mandt, and presently Gentle Teaching and Coaching Skills.

When thinking of the proudest moment during the time I have been here, I find it very difficult to narrow it down to just one. There have been a lot of significant moments in my relationships with people at COR where I felt like I have made a positive difference (even in the smallest of ways), which has certainly made a great impact on me and hopefully on them as well! Working with people is all about creating meaningful interactions and creating new memories with each other and I am extremely grateful to be part of that.

If there’s something I could share with prospective candidates, I would say just be yourself. COR does a wonderful job helping to highlight people’s unique gifts and talents and helping people feel at home. While you’re there, be curious and seek to understand. Also, remember that it is more than okay to ask questions or for help when you need it. Everyone is always glad to help.

Fun facts about me:

My favourite book is a really beat-up, tattered old poetry book called Poems Worth Knowing by C.E Lewis. It was actually a textbook used back in the 1950s and 60’s and it belonged to my Dad. It is filled with some of the greatest American, British and Canadian poems from well over the past 100 years.

A quote that I have always loved is from William Blake. It is an excerpt from one of his poems…

“To See a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour”

While away from supporting, I enjoy writing, singing and practicing guitar playing. I love bonfires and connecting with family and friends and of course, hanging out with my cat Habanero.

Meet The COR Family: Mandy Boersch

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Hi, I’m Mandy! I am the Director of Health here at COR! I have been with COR since 2010 and found out about COR through my inlaws! They were neighbours with Michael and connected me to him! I was initially a Team Leader shortly after the organization was created. I left to go to Nursing School and then was approached for the current position I am in, 10 years ago!

My favourite project at COR would have to be building the health team to the capacity it is at now and seeing the endless possibilities it can be. Advocating for the level of health care the disability sector needs and working with like-minded health professionals in the community and country to further its goal is a great feeling! I feel so proud when I see any member of the health team take charge and work through high-demand situations with confidence and poise. Another proud moment was when a young man who had many struggles happening finally found a place where he could thrive and have a quality of life that I had never seen him experience before. He was one of the first people I met in COR and through the support of his team, Gentle Teaching, and a holistic approach to community health professionals he has been thriving for many years now which is the reason we are here.

Fun facts about me:

  • I love Harry Potter
  • My nickname growing up was Cactusjuice.
  • My first dog was a Puli named Moppy.
  • My sister Jillian is forever my inspiration in everything I do.
  • In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends and our dog, watch all of the sports possible that our son participates in, ride horses and be around any animals really, be outside, have lake time, go to the gym (sometimes ;p), gardening and pickling and pretending to know how to grow house plants, playing Mario Kart, crib and scrabble, recently have found a new joy of trying to cook more complicated recipes occasionally!
  • Disney World and Universal Studios are my happy places!

Meet the COR Family: Brook Pratt-Longman

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Hello, I am Brook! I am currently the Indigenous advisor at COR and I have been a part of the COR Team for around 2 and a half years now! The first position I entered into COR was as home support, then moved into the role as the Indigenous Cultural Advisor part-time before taking the role full-time.

As the Indigenous advisor, my position has been created to help support individuals and their families to connect, reconnect, claim, reclaim and learn about Indigenous ways of life. I hope to create an open, caring and safe space that will help people navigate their journeys, as they either begin or continue to embrace walking in two worlds. It is a priority for me to help others see the world from an indigenous lens. A lens that can then be applied to the people we support, their homes and their worlds. I work directly with the people we support, their families and their teams to identify cultural curiosities, wants, needs and practices they would like to engage in. Some would like to attend Sweat Lodge, Powwows, Sundance, Round Dance and other traditional ceremonies/events. Others would like to receive their names, learn to bead or cook bannock, as well as a variety of other practices. A person has a better chance of learning and retaining cultural information when their teams and families are involved because they spend the most time with them. I am able to provide (or connect us to) all of the tools and teachings necessary for individuals who are awakening their spiritual connections. Ultimately the Indigenous Cultural Advisor position is an opportunity opening for people to find and develop a relationship with the creator and culture if they should want this. I both welcome and encourage you to connect with me directly for further information or for any questions you may have. Let’s meet and walk together with good intentions, in a good way.

I first heard of COR about 10 years ago or so from my Co-worker at that time, Mara. She told me a little bit about COR and really encouraged me to apply. She didn’t work for COR at that time, but she had relatives that did. She believed that I would be perfect for COR. We both experienced a transition in careers. At some point, Mara’s path led her to COR. A little over 7 years ago my little brother began to experience a breakdown in his support. COR was one of three options for possible new placements. I called Mara immediately out of panic and fear. Mara kept speaking the same words to me “I promise you, Jessica, if your brother comes here, he will be ok”. She had so much confidence and faith in her organization and rightfully so because she was right.

One of my favourite projects at COR to date has been the ribbon skirt-making workshop. I also really enjoyed the drum-making workshop that COR hosted. I didn’t organize this event and was very proud of COR for putting together this event. I am currently excited about our upcoming year. We have a couple of events in the works, such as Sweat Lodge, Round Dance and setting up CORs first Teepee.

My proudest moment with COR would be the Sacred Buffalo Harvest ceremony that Kirston, Miyseou and I attended. I was very emotional and proud to see our two girls participating and reclaiming their cultural ways. These ladies are probably the first generations in their families to reclaim these teachings since the massacre of the buffalo. They did it all from listening to stories/teachings shared, tying up hide, skinning hide and the actual breakdown of the buffalo. They were amazing! Additionally, I was also very proud of Ruby for wanting to enter the Sweat Lodge and receive her name. She absolutely loves Sweat Lodge and is so proud to have her name now.

If I had any advice to give to people who are interested in joining COR, I would advise people to be their genuine and authentic selves. The culture that COR has created here is welcoming, unique and it’s safe. A lot of places and much of our society has created fear of punishment when making mistakes. Here mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. We hope everyone here feels supported and comfortable to ask for help. Ask questions, wonder why, and offer your knowledge/wisdom. Most importantly when and if you do come across challenging times, remember your reason(s) why you wanted to come into this helping and supportive field of service. There will always be a move that connects us then there is that divides us.

Fun Facts about me: 

I own exactly 4 actual paper books. 3 of them gifts. The other I purchased and continue to purchase it because it seems it always grows legs. It’s called “In Search of April Raintree”. I read a version of it in high school and then read the adult version shortly after. It’s a book that I strongly relate to and has helped me through some trying times.

I have two favourite quotes:

“Yeah, but the Indian blood runs through your veins, April. To deny that, you deny a basic part of yourself. You’ll never be satisfied until you can accept that fact”  – April Raintree

There was a time that I hated and denied being indigenous. There was a time when I use to be prejudiced and hard on my own people.

“Forgiveness is abandoning all hope for a better past” – Matriarch Brenda Dubois

I know this quote seems heavy and that there are lighter ways of saying the same thing, such as “forgiveness is focusing on the future and not dwelling on the past”. But hearing the way Brenda put it helped something click for me.

I spend my free time with my two cats Spirit and Kuppa. I also spend time with my family and I really enjoy beading.

Meet the COR Family: Rachel Burgoyne

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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!

 

Meet the COR Family: Ryan Halvorson

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Hi everyone, I’m Ryan, a Team Leader at COR. My journey with COR began as a part-time support worker while working full-time as a Journeyperson Electrician at the Co-op Refinery in Regina. It started as a little something to do with my free time on weekends, but little did I know that it would become a significant part of my life.

I started supporting a group of guys, and after a few months, I got laid off at the Refinery, which led to me picking up full-time hours at COR. I knew I wanted to take on more responsibility, so I began applying for Key Support positions and telling whoever was willing to listen that I wanted to rise up and lead a team.

In October 2021, I was offered a Key Support position and within five months advanced into a Team leader role when they were promoted into a new position. Over my time at COR, I have also had the opportunity to be a job coach with COR’s 4to40 initiative – I job coach Peter 1-2 times a week going to the various Fire Departments around Regina, and helping him live his dream of working at Regina Fire and Protective Services.

One of my favourite projects at COR was building a small shed and deck for Marshel to hang out in his backyard.  We spent several days constructing this shed and gave it a fresh coat of paint. Using my previous construction experience to build a meaningful project for him that he enjoys today was awesome!

My proudest moment at COR was when I was offered a Key Support position. The director of COR Youth, Matt Chin, was explaining a few options to me, and I told him I wanted him to put me where he needed me the most and where I could make the biggest difference. Looking back on it, I am proud that I made that decision, and I’m glad that it led me to where I am now. Another example: knowing my journey from support to Team Lead, I know what the struggles are for the supports on my team to rise up. Over the past year, three of my incredible supports have been promoted to Key Supports, and all three of them have been accepted to the Aspiring Team Leader program and are well on their way to becoming Team Leaders themselves. I am incredibly proud of these three supports and my ability to lead them to where they want to be, even if it meant losing them on my team.

To new prospects, my advice is that it doesn’t matter where you came from in the past; your new journey starts now. COR has accepted me with open arms and allowed me to grow as a caregiver and as a human.  I had no experience whatsoever in this field and was surprised immediately by how much I’ve been “sucked in” by the org. If you are looking to change things up and make a new path in life, there is no better opportunity than applying and having a conversation with the people and culture team!

Fun Facts about me:

My favourite movies are Interstellar and Shutter Island!

My favourite quote is “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither knows victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

In my spare time, I do a lot of yard work and housework! I also am a huge NFL fan and have picked up an obsession with golf! I also love video games and tech. In my spare time, I also love to spend time with my partner Savannah, my dog Luna and my cat Rupert.

Meet the COR Family: Jim Temple

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Hi There! I am Jim and I am the Chief Operating Officer and COR. I have been with COR since our inception in 2009, and technically even a little bit longer. I was hired by COR’s “sister organization” Saskatchewan Alternative Initiatives (SAI) in 2008 to provide support to the first individual COR would serve (Andrew). When COR officially launched in July 2009, I was hired as one of the original Support People at COR.  I was here before its official creation. However, I heard about being a Caregiver and Gentle Teaching from a former co-worker at a previous job who was working with SAI as a Team Leader.

I have worked at all levels of the organization, but my current role as COO has me doing several things. The biggest part of my role is overseeing our teams and all aspects of support provided to the individuals we serve at a high level. I directly supervise our Director of Youth Supports and The Director of Support Services (Adult Supports) and I work with their team of Coordinators to keep my finger on the pulse of all things going on within the organization. I also supervise our Outreach and Mentorship Team, as well as oversee our Aspiring Team Leader Program. I work alongside our CEO and Board of Directors to help with the strategic vision of the organization and with other members of our Senior Leadership Team to guide decisions and direction in our day-to-day operations. One of the parts of my role I particularly enjoy is being able to help others learn and grow. I like to spend time with colleagues sharing my experiences, knowledge and any bits of advice that I feel I have to give.

I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally with COR. I came to the organization with an education in finance and have worked in the financial sector. This was a career path that I did not find fulfilling. When I started working in the disability sector, I had no idea it was going to become my career. However, once I started doing this work, I fell in love with helping others as I could see the impact I could have and it provided me a great sense of pride and purpose. As the years went on and COR became larger, I grew with the organization. I was promoted from a Support Person to a Team Leader, eventually to a Home Supports Coordinator and eventually into my role as COO. I have learned so much about life over the years from the individuals we serve, my fellow employees and our colleagues in the Gentle Teaching community around the world. Formally, COR has invested in my professional development tremendously year after year. I received countless training and professional development opportunities that helped me build the skills to be a better person, caregiver and eventually a better leader. I love that we are all continuously learning and growing together, regardless of our experience or position.

In 2021 I completed a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University. This Degree was the culmination of years of Leadership courses and study. In my final research project, I received permission from the University to partner with COR and engage with employees in order to conduct research and gather data. Since one of the most impactful classes I took during my Master’ Program was in Values-Based Leadership, I decided that I wanted to explore and define trust as a value within COR. Through this project I was able to understand through our employees’ lens, what trust means at COR and how we can build higher levels of trust across the organization. The fact that I was able to benefit COR with my research findings, while simultaneously attaining my Master’s made this my favourite project.

I have had many proud moments at COR. Probably what makes me the most proud is the growth and positive change that many of the individuals we support have made in their lives. So many people we support, and especially those who came to COR in our early years were not in a good place in their lives. They were the people who had been bounced around within the disability services sector and never had the opportunity to allow them to be successful and reach their full potential. Some of those individuals have been supported by COR for over a decade now, and have been able to blossom into the truest version of themselves. I believe this is due to the resiliency and ability of those we serve, and also to the philosophy that COR adheres to and the culture of gentleness that we have nurtured within the organization. This culture has allowed people to feel safe and valued and live the life that they want for themselves. COR does not have clients, consumers or participants, we are supporting and serving valuable human beings in their lives. I am so proud to have been a small part of this organization’s growth from the ground up and to have been along for the ride. We are truly making a change in our city, province, country and beyond.

If I had any advice to give to people who are interested in joining COR is to come for the right reasons. If you are simply looking for a paycheck or easy money, you are in the wrong place. This job can be tremendously difficult emotionally but is also tremendously rewarding. If you care about people and are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to truly get to know people, then you will flourish.

Fun Facts about me:

I do enjoy my TV. The best two-drama series of all time is Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. The best two sitcoms ever are Seinfeld and The Office. I’m not entirely sure of the order, but their greatness is not up for debate! Lol

My favourite quote, and something I regularly say to our employees is “It’s only a mistake if you don’t learn something from it”. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. I think the best thing you can do is admit them, own them and hopefully you have people around you that care enough to help you learn and grow from them.

Due to Jaws being my favourite movie growing up, I am terrified to swim in the Ocean.

I don’t seem to have a lot of free time these days. I love to spend time with my 2-year-old daughter Aubrey and my partner Kelsey. In the summer I love to get out and play as much golf as I can. I’m an avid NFL fan, the Green Bay Packers are my favourite team. I like to watch as much football as I can on Sundays.

Meet the COR Family: Kristy Dupperault

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Hi there, my name is Kristy, and I am the Director of Support Services and a Licensed Practical Nurse at COR. I have been with COR for 2.5 years, and it continues to be an amazing journey!

I first learned about COR’s culture and philosophy when I took my first Gentle Teaching training from Michael at Hope’s Home over 8 years ago. I have always admired COR’s success in supporting some of the most complex people in our province, and I am blessed to be a part of this amazing team.

My favourite project at COR has been building relationships with all the people at COR. They teach me more than I can ever teach them, and I feel grateful to be a part of their lives. My proudest moment at COR was when we successfully transitioned a person into their first apartment and watched them thrive independently.

For prospective COR candidates, my advice is to join us! COR has a positive and fun work culture, and you will make a significant impact on people’s everyday lives. There are many layers of support at COR, and you will never feel alone in your work.

Fun Facts about me:

When I am not working, I love to celebrate all things! I enjoy crafting, party planning, and attending concerts. I also love to cheer on my three kids and husband at all of their events, and I love to travel. Recently, I had an amazing vacation in France to see our oldest son. We toured Paris and Dunkirk and even saw a little bit of Belgium. It was fantastic to see all the Parisian sites! My favourite book is The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and my favourite quote is “Struggle and Emerge,” which is from my Alma matter, Athol Murray College of Notre Dame. I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about me and COR!