Erin Gilmer

Erin's Experience at Humber

Please tell us about your time at Humber College. What was the best part of it?

I joined the Humber College community in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in September of 2020. It was a period of time that generated a lot of anxiety and uncertainty across the entire world, and I knew I needed to find a path forwards for myself to ensure a brighter future once the seemingly endless chaos settled.

I came across Humber College’s Child and Youth Care program and the clinical education and experience it provided drew me in immediately. I felt that during my previous time in University, I had covered theory, but I was lacking real-world knowledge to further my strengths in community services.

Over the next year, I spent time in extremely diverse placement settings at a small school, a foster care agency and SickKids hospital which I attribute to why I have confidence in crisis situations. However, what I found to be the best part of my time at Humber was the faculty. I had not experienced such a high amount of support from multiple instructors in any other environment, and I know that because of their encouragement, their willingness to provide feedback and build relationships, and their patience and understanding, I was able to flourish in this program.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Since graduating from Humber College, I never left the community service field and dabbled in a few roles centered on high-risk and high-need clinical support for children and youth. These roles provided great teaching experiences for myself which I was able to use when I secured my now current role as a Case Manager at Carpe Diem Foster Homes (the foster agency where I completed my 2nd semester placement!).

I made meaningful connections during that placement and I made sure to stay in touch with my supervisor as he was someone who provided immense learning opportunities for me both personally and professionally. I have now been at Carpe Diem in 3 different positions, and I have even started as a supervisor for Humber students completing their CYC diploma, which feels surreal that I can share my expertise as my supervisor did for me.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

I have always been a person who feels the innate need to advocate for those who cannot. Within my role as a foster care Case Manager, my advocation is not only frequent but absolutely required. It is incredibly gratifying to fight for a vulnerable and at-risk child or youth and subsequently see changes in their lives that they deserve.

Being able to implement clinical tools such as ABA therapy supports and behavioural management aids, as well as use my relational skills to connect with youth and give them a safe person in their lives has been such a meaningful experience that I will not be giving up any time soon.