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Program Mentors
The Interdependent Living Program Mentors are occupants of the home who support their fellow residents in developing important life skills. These include:
Each member of the home community brings strengths and talents to the house; as the community develops together, each member garners new skills that move them towards independence. As program mentors develop confidence in their own skills and abilities and reach a stage at which they may wish to transition to independent living, other residents of the house have had the preparation necessary to grow into the role of program mentor and to support new residents; thus sustaining the model.
Current Program Mentors
Kirk Lutke, Nanaimo, British Columbia (Pilot Project)
Initially invited to Whitecrow Village to speak on a panel for professionals at a L.I.F.E. Session in 2002, Kirk never left and has been part of the Whitecrow Village team ever since. Part of a family with a strong history of advocacy, Kirk got his start speaking on panels at an early age and has become a sought after motivational speaker who has been featured in various documentaries and films pertaining to FASD. Both as a team leader at L.I.F.E. Sessions, where he acts as a mentor for youth and children, and in his role as Project Mentor for the Interdependent Living initiative, Kirk brings his gift for modeling communication that is supportive and effective for people with FASD. A graduate of the pre-employment program at Kwantlan University College in Surrey, BC and a certified heavy-duty mechanic, Kirk also plays a role in our Employment and our Addictions Recovery Support initiatives. As an adult living with FASD, Kirk is able to articulate what works and what doesn’t work in a manner that motivates all members of the community towards positive change.
Kellie Zorn, Nanaimo, British Columbia, (Pilot Project)
Originally from Prince George, British Coumbia, Kellie has been involved with Whitecrow Village since 1998. Kellie initially attended our L.I.F.E. Sessions as a child participant, and has since grown up with Whitecrow. Kellie now acts as a team leader at L.I.F.E. Sessions where she mentors and facilitates discussions with children, youth, and adults about FASD. Kellie is actively involved in several of Whitecrow's current initiatives; in addition to speaking on numerous panel presentations and presenting at conferences and workshops throughout North America, Kellie serves as a role model within the Whitecrow Village employment initiative and, in 2007, was certified as a licensed hairdresser. Kellie currently acts as a Project Mentor for the Interdependent Living initiative in Nanaimo, BC along side her partner, Kirk Lutke. As an adult with FASD, Kellie brings a unique perspective and approach to the objectives of this initiative. | |
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