Ellen has been a practicing social worker primarily in Newfoundland and Labrador for 42 years. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Memorial University in 1977 and her Master of Social Work degree at the University of British Columbia in 1982.
Throughout her impressive career, Ellen has held many national and provincial leadership positions. While President of the CASW, Ellen was involved in the revision of the Code of Ethics, positioning the Association as a strong presence, a commentator on social policy and moving the board toward a policy governance model. Ellen also worked to advance the social work profession on the international level. This included presenting at the United Nations in New York speaking in recognition and celebration of World Social Work Day.
Provincially, Ellen has been actively involved in advancing the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW). She has facilitated numerous professional education sessions, was an active member and co-chairperson of the Professional Issues Committee, the conference planning committee, the Promotion of the Profession Committee and the NLASW Children’s Issues Committee which was an initiative through the CASW.
Ellen retired in 2014 from the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Social Work. While at the university, Ellen was instrumental in advancing the work of the Clinical Institute at the School of Social Work. During this time, Ellen took a lead role in developing the Family Services Program for the provincial child protection program. Ellen was also influential in the creation of the MUN second degree program and the BSW program for Nunatsiavut students – one example of her commitment to the importance of social work education for Inuit students.
Ellen has balanced her roles as educator, published author and researcher with her role as a strong clinical practitioner. For the past 30 years, Ellen operated a private practice providing counselling and consultation/education services. She has mentored, educated and inspired numerous social work students and social workers, and positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and families.
As a prominent leader in the social work profession, Ellen is widely recognized for her tremendous knowledge and expertise in social work practice. She was appointed as
Chairperson of the Child Death Review Committee by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2014 and was the first social worker to fill this position.
It is impossible to list all of Ellen’s professional accomplishments. Throughout her career as a clinician, administrator and educator, one thing has remained constant: Ellen has continued to inspire those around her and promote the social work profession with integrity, professionalism and great pride. Ellen’s commitment is unwavering; she has dedicated her career to advancing the social work profession ensuring that clients continue to receive the highest quality services. Ellen is a trail blazer in this exciting and challenging field and her genuine approach and exemplary leadership skills make her a deserving recipient of the Glenn Drover National Outstanding Service Award.