DSW Grad Launch
On Monday April 2nd, 2025, the Developmental Services Worker program hosted their annual Grad Launch celebration! Semester 4 students in DSW 250 came together to celebrate their up-and-coming launch into the field of developmental services. Two special guest speakers, and community partners, joined the celebration and spoke about their journeys in developmental services work and employment. Mais Malhas (a DSW Program alumni and new DSW Program Advisory Committee member) talked about her journey from DSW student to her current role as Manager at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Mais is a strong advocate for the hiring of DSWs into a variety of roles at CAMH. She was inspirational in her words to students and encouraged all students to take opportunities for learning and work in the developmental services field as they arise. Charles Rego is the new Executive Director of Brampton Caledon Community Living (BCCL). BCCL is also a longstanding member of the DSW Program Advisory Committee and an active community partner. In his last 30 years of work, Charles has held a variety of roles at BCCL, which has led to his newest role as Executive Director of the organization. He talked to, and encouraged, students about future employment in developmental services and the value of experiencing a variety of roles and opportunities in employment, never knowing where they will lead. He also stressed the importance of professionalism in all developmental services roles and what this entails. Students had the opportunity to ask many questions to their guest speakers and expressed their appreciation and thanks for these two distinguished guests joining their celebration.