After graduating from Brock University with an undergraduate degree, Kelsey (Warnick) Hamilton ‘12, came to Mohawk College searching for a post-graduate program. She had one clear objective in mind: Gaining experience in the human service field. She decided to join the Concurrent Disorders program, with a goal to help people in her community facing mental health and addiction struggles. Today, Kelsey works as a community coordinator with the Thrive Group, helping individuals in the community with daily support care to allow clients to age in a place of their choice. 
 
During the eight-month program, Kelsey fulfilled her hopes of working in a front-line position. She wanted to understand the needs of her community and apply her newly acquired skills in a place where she could help individuals stay safe and healthy. She completed her placement with Good Shepherd at the Notre Dame House, one of the largest providers of health and human services in Hamilton. “It was my first front-line experience, it exposed me to the needs of young adults in our community. The placement provided me with guidance and understanding of community-based services.” 
 
Kelsey always envisioned having the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those needing support in her community, but carefully selecting a workplace can ensure a positive experience. Gaining in-person field experience is also a helpful tool to use when it’s time to decide what kind of job would feel right. “Learning about the experiences of my peers at their placements, in combination with my own experience, I was able to understand what I desired from an employer, which was ultimately to align myself with an organization that shared the same values and beliefs as myself.” 
 
Seeking out employment after graduation can be challenging. Program coordinators and school administration can provide the right resources, like setting up introductions with a potential employer or recommending job fairs to attend. “I regret not taking advantage of Mohawk’s job search support, as it would’ve allowed me to explore more options.” 
 
Kelsey has now been with Thrive Group, a non-profit, charitable organization with a health care focus, since 2019. As a community coordinator, she works purposefully while addressing the challenges people are experiencing in the community struggling with mental health and addiction crises. 
 
“We assist with personal care, essential housekeeping, meal preparation and risk analysis,” she says. “The purpose of our community programs is to help clients meet the goals that they set out for themselves, and often times, this is simply assisting in keeping them safe in their home for as long as possible.” 
 
Utilizing her skills developed at Mohawk College, Kelsey has built up the confidence in her abilities to provide a compassionate and understanding environment for individuals to grow. “I enjoy my job because it is challenging and rewarding each and every day,” she says. “I am provided with ongoing opportunities to learn and grow in my current role. The leadership team allows me to expand my knowledge, and they help to guide me in my growth.” 

By Katrina Rathie – Journalism Student