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FASD Education Programs Team
Jennifer-Leigh Gould (On Study Leave) Program Director Jennifer-Leigh has been a part of the Whitecrow Village team since 2006. Prior to becoming an educator, Jennifer-Leigh worked as a mentor for “at risk” children & youth through “The Nesting Project” (hosted by Winnipeg Child and Family Services); was an active volunteer involved with team administration, program design, and facilitation for the “Love Lives Here” project for homeless peoples in Winnipeg; and served as Protective Services & Investigations Officer for the Manitoba Provincial Government and Provincial Corrections. Jennifer-Leigh has taught K-12 in mainstream, alternate, and special needs schools in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Canada. Jennifer-Leigh served as a Canadian Cultural Ambassador for several years in Japan, and has been a frequent presenter and guest lecturer at national and international foreign educator conferences in Asia. She has participated in curriculum design for Japanese and Canadian classrooms, and has authored and co-authored ESL curriculum for the Prefectural Ministry of Education in Miyagi Ken, Japan. In her role with the Whitecrow Village team, Jennifer-Leigh is involved in all aspects of curriculum development, program administration, advocacy, training, and support. She facilitates discussions regarding FASD with families, educators, and other professionals at Whitecrow Village core live-in FASD training programs (L.I.F.E. Sessions); mentors and teaches children and youth who have FASD; designs FASD educational workshops and presentations for educators and social service professionals; and frequently speaks to student teachers, teachers, and other education professionals in local school districts and internationally. Most recently, Jennifer-Leigh has begun to liaise with universities and grade schools on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia to establish relationships that will serve as a platform for reaching a common understanding and language for FASD among education professionals. Jennifer-Leigh is the recipient of several honours and awards for her scholarly work and community service including the Canadian Federation of University Women Award for academic excellence and the Dr. Gregory Heide Scholarship for her studies in Canadian First Nations' History. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in Educational Psychology with an FASD focus. Jennifer-Leigh is the primary teaching consultant and educational advisor for Errington Unique Kids Organization (E.U.K.O.), a learning centre for children with behaviour disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Ken Kissinger Aboriginal Education Assistant Ken has been involved with Whitecrow Village since 2004. As an adult living with FASD, Ken provides a unique understanding and mentorship for Whitecrow Village participants and others in the greater community (both those with and those without FASD). Ken is a sought after motivational speaker and presenter on FASD and has honoured invitations to speak throughout BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and the United States. In his role as Whitecrow Village Team Leader, Ken has mentored children, youth, and adults with FASD; has co-facilitated child and youth day programs at Live-in FASD Education (L.I.F.E.) Sessions; has been an inspiring presenter and panellist at conferences, workshops, and FASD training seminars throughout BC; and has facilitated 12 step meetings. Most recently, Ken has begun to co-facilitate the child, youth, and adult training programs at our L.I.F.E. Sessions, and has been involved in the design and delivery of programs under the Whitecrow Village Education and Addictions Recovery Support umbrella initiatives. Ken is a recipient of many awards for community service including the annual FASD Community Circle Award for improving the lives of people with FASD. He has achieved certification from Camosun College as a Community Support Worker (2006), and as a First Nations’ Family Support Worker (2005). Ken currently acts as an Aboriginal Education Assistant in Victoria, BC.
Teacher (K-12), Team Leader
Debra Evensen - Program Advisor Deb is a pioneer in discovering practical solutions that work for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Since working with her first student diagnosed with FAS in 1982, Deb has become a passionate, outspoken, international advocate for those living with FASD. A master teacher and behaviour specialist with more than 35 years experience teaching children, adolescents, and adults with highly challenging behaviours, she has the unique perspective of one who has spent thousands of hours seeking positive solutions with communities throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Deb has received many awards, and was the inaugural recipient of Alaska’s “Vision, Leadership and Commitment to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” in 2001. She founded Fetal Alcohol Consultation and Training Services (FACTS), the Alaskan affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and travels internationally as a consultant. As a member of the Whitecrow Village Society Board of Directors, Deb oversees projects in the Education initiative in an advisory role. | |
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Stacey Conley