Earlier this year, BC Care Providers Association announced the recipients of its “40 for 40” bursary program. As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, BCCPA is providing all-expenses paid trips to its 2018 Annual Conference in Whistler to students enrolled in post-secondary programs in B.C.
Take a look at profiles of the six bursary recipients from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria.
Meet Ashleigh Parker
Ashleigh Parker is a full-time student in the Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Specialization) graduate program at the University of Victoria.
Ashleigh knew she wanted to work in continuing care ever since her first volunteer shift at a senior living community in Grade 12. She enjoyed working with the residents so much she continued to volunteer for five years after graduating.
During her undergraduate degree, she also had the opportunity to work as a psychometrist at the Kelowna General Hospital. She worked with patients who had suffered traumatic brain injuries, strokes, heart attacks, and some who were showing early signs of dementia.
Although she worked with in-patients, the experience drove her to want to work in an increased capacity as a clinical neuropsychologist. Ultimately, she wants to work in the continuing care sector so she can provide quality care and improve quality of life for aging patients.
As part of the bursary application, we asked students why they would like to attend BCCPA’s 2018 Annual Conference. Ashleigh says she hopes to network with practicing professionals, and gain valuable insight into the challenges they face caring for older adults in their areas of expertise.
“I’m very excited to attend BCCPA’s Annual Conference, and grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the complexities that professionals in the continuing care sector are experiencing during this shift of resources out of acute care,” says Ashleigh.
“I believe that this educational experience will act as strong foundation of knowledge that I can build upon during my graduate training, and will be invaluable to my career when I am a practicing neuropsychologist,” she adds.
