Claire Ashton

Experience

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  Grassroots Empowerment Peace Group

  Jan 2006 - May 2006

  Project Coordinator

  Designed and implemented HIV/AIDS knowledge & prevention initiative health education programming in eight junior, senior and vocational training schoolsCounseled HIV/AIDS patients and conducted pre/post test patient evaluations in Government Hospital Designed and coordinated academic studies program for girl’s Vocational training school

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  Concordia University

  Sept 2006 - May 2007

  Teaching Assistant

  Attended classes and learned course materials for introductory and intermediate statistics coursesaught and advised students, corrected weekly assignments and exams

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  Ecole Shakespeare

  Oct 2008 - May 2009

  Language Instructor

  Taught beginner through advanced ESL classes to employees in corporate environments (IBM, CIBC, Urgences Sante (911), Reitman’s)Prepared and executed lesson plans in dynamic environments, monitored and evaluated progress, collaborated with employers and students to customize learning plans and insure successful acquisition

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  Learning Exchange

  May 2009 - Apr 2012

  Wrote grant proposals and accessed program funding Developed, implemented & managed (as well as taught pilot) Workforce Literacy program for basic skills learners, introducing this innovative education alternative to Saint JohnDeveloped, implemented & managed Community Kitchen project (teaching kitchen and healthy meal provider for community as well as paid catered events)Programs follow a holistic model and cover personal development; financial, community and health literacy, as well essential skills (numeracy, writing, document use, computing, communications, etc…)Programs continue to meet outcomes and grow to accommodate our community needs Show less Provided counseling and support for students, planned interventions, facilitated connections with other support services, and acted as liaison with government case managers and employment counselors, mental health workers, and other support servicesPlanned and implemented conflict resolution and disciplinary strategiesOrientated potential students to the centre’s various programs and assisted in program selectionAssessed all students’ academic and essential skill levels, screened students for learning disabilitiesPrepared class lists and schedules and managed all lists, data, and reportsOrganized professional and personal development opportunities for students and staff Show less

  • Program Developer

    Jul 2010 - Apr 2012

  • Student Coordinator

    May 2009 - Jul 2010
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  WESCan (Workforce Essential Skills Across Canada)

  Dec 2009 - Apr 2011

  Community Liaison

  Partnership brokered by Pathway to Possibilities (Toronto), including 5 sites across Canada with The Learning ExchangePlanned implementation of workforce literacy programming in Saint JohnProvided standardized CAMERA (communications and math employment readiness assessment) to hundreds of potential clientsInterpreted assessment results, assisted facilitators to plan curriculum implementation/interventions and provided training to staff and community membersContributed to writing and editing implementation guide; “Workforce Essential Skills: Putting Literacy to Work” (PTP, 2011) Show less

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  Vibrant Communities

  Dec 2011 - Apr 2012

  Workforce Initiatives Coordinator

  Plan and coordinate education and training initiatives for residents of Saint John who are unattached to the workforce (in career-decision making, skills enhancement, job search, as well as specific training in CPR, First Aid, and Food Handling & Safety, etc…). Plan and coordinate “Passport to Success”; Catch the Wave to Employment, and Job Bus Tour with committee supportConnect and foster relationships with business community, and maintain regional labor market informationCollect data on employment and education programs and participants, present information on training, education and employment opportunities to community groups and coordinate one-page start date sheet on training and employment for Saint JohnChair Catch the Wave to Employment committee Personally assist individuals and groups in developing employability Show less

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  Learning Exchange

  Jul 2012 - now

  Workforce Coach

  Design & Implement Employment services program to include all dimensions of employability, including development workshops. Work with clients in the capacity of a Workforce Coach, alongside a Job Developer and Saint John’s business community to ensure clients’ prepare for, secure, and maintain employment.

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  Saint John Learning Exchange

  Jan 2014 - Apr 2017

  Social Enterprise Developer

  Operate Stone Soup group of Social Enterprises: Catering, School Food, and Cafe. Seek funding opportunities to support operations of Stone Soup & The Learning ExchangeManage current business and develop new businessAssist Managers, Head Cooks, Employees and Program Participants (Trainees) in planning and problem solvingLiase with WorkLinks Team to refine overall operationsHR Functions

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  Saint John Learning Exchange

  May 2018 - now

  Project Manager
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  Greater Saint John Community Foundation

  May 2021 - now

  Director of Network Engagement & Social Innovation
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  Government of New Brunswick / Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick

  Jan 2023 - now

  Consultant

  Child Welfare prevention research and program recommendation & design for New Brunswick for Master's of social work practicum experience.