Sean Guptill

Sean's Experience at Humber

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

My experience at Humber College in the Bachelor's Child and Youth Care (CYC) program was profoundly enriching and transformative. The program emphasized the importance of relationship-building, a cornerstone of effective youth care. From day one, we were taught that meaningful connections with youth are the foundation of our work, fostering trust and facilitating positive change.

Learning from professors who are active in the CYC field was invaluable. Their firsthand experiences and current practices ensured that our education was both relevant and up-to-date. They shared real-world insights and case studies, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This practical approach helped us understand the complexities of youth work and prepared us to handle diverse situations with confidence and empathy.

Moreover, the collaborative environment at Humber encouraged us to engage deeply with our peers, promoting a supportive community where we could share experiences and learn from each other. The program's focus on contemporary issues and emerging trends in child and youth care, combined with the expertise of our instructors, provided a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience. Ultimately, my time at Humber College equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and passion necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people I now support day to day in my adult day program called Got Your Back which supports young adults with disabilities.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Since graduating from the Bachelor’s program in Child and Youth Care (CYC) at Humber College in 2022, my journey has been both fulfilling and impactful. I founded an adult day program called Got Your Back (GYB), which provides essential support for young adults with disabilities. GYB focuses on fostering independence, building life skills, and creating a supportive community for its participants. Witnessing the growth and empowerment of these young adults has been incredibly rewarding and reaffirms my commitment to making a difference in their lives.

In addition to running GYB, I am an active board member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC). This role has allowed me to contribute to the advancement of the CYC profession and advocate for better practices and policies. As part of my work with the OACYC, I launched a podcast called "Debriefing," which provides a platform for discussing critical issues in the field, sharing professional experiences, and promoting continuous learning among practitioners.

These experiences have enriched my professional journey, allowing me to apply my education in meaningful ways and stay connected with the CYC community. They have also fueled my passion for advocacy and innovation in youth and adult care services.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

Owning and operating Got Your Back (GYB), an adult day program supporting young adults with disabilities, has been the most satisfying career choice I've ever made. The joy of witnessing our participants' growth and development is unparalleled. At GYB, we focus on fostering independence, building life skills, and creating a nurturing community, which empowers our participants to achieve their fullest potential. Each milestone they reach, whether big or small, brings immense pride and satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of our work.

Another rewarding aspect is the opportunity to mentor interns. By welcoming students into GYB, we create a dynamic learning environment where they can gain hands-on experience in the field. This not only enriches their education but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our program. Seeing interns grow into confident, skilled professionals ready to make their own impact in the field is incredibly fulfilling.

The combination of making a tangible difference in the lives of young adults with disabilities and contributing to the professional development of future child and youth care practitioners makes my role at GYB deeply gratifying. It underscores the significance of our work and the positive ripple effect it creates in the community.