My name is Anna, and I am a Montreal-based educator looking to expand my experience from working with individuals with special needs to supporting other vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. After six years as a Special Needs Teacher, I am currently in the process of making a career pivot and pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy. As part of this transition, I am eager to gain meaningful experience working with different populations and to better understand the ways I can support individuals in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life. My interest in elderly care is also personal. About a year ago, I witnessed someone close to me experience a stroke, and seeing the challenges that followed opened my eyes to the profound impact that illness, aging, and a lack of support can have—not only on the individual, but also on their family. The experience strengthened my desire to work with people who may need additional support navigating changes in their lives, and to be someone who can provide patience, companionship, encouragement, and practical help along the way. My background in education has taught me to be patient, attentive, adaptable, and creative when responding to an individual's needs. I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and finding ways to build trust, encourage independence, and make them feel comfortable and valued. I am also a natural problem solver and someone who takes initiative, qualities that have been essential throughout my teaching career and that I hope to bring into a caregiving environment. I am originally from Montreal and speak English as my primary language. I also have an immersive level of French and Spanish and enjoy communicating with people from different backgrounds. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, working out, building 3D puzzles, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and partner. I have always loved learning, helping others, and finding creative solutions to challenges—qualities that ultimately led me to pursue a career in education and now motivate me to explore Occupational Therapy. I would describe myself as warm, dependable, compassionate, and genuinely curious about the people I meet. I would be grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience, energy, and willingness to learn into a role where I can make a meaningful difference in someone's day.

For the last six years, I worked as a special needs teacher, servicing ages 9 all the way to 21 years old. Being in this role has provided me with skills most certainly transferable for working with older adults. It has strengthened my patience, empathy, communication, and ability to adapt care and support to each person’s unique abilities and circumstances. I am experienced in building trusting relationships, promoting independence, managing challenging situations calmly, and working collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams. I would bring these same skills to elderly care, with a genuine commitment to ensuring that every individual feels respected, supported, safe, and valued.

Bachelors in Elementary Education. Certified teacher in Quebec.