Michelle MacIntosh, counsellor in NC’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services department, has been awarded an Award of Excellence in Counselling from the Ontario College Counsellors (OCC) OCC is a professional organization dedicated to promoting high standards of ethics and practice in counselling services at Ontario’s colleges.
MacIntosh was recognized with the award at the OCC’s annual general meeting at Mohawk College on May 13. She was celebrated for her relentless passion and care for the wellbeing of Niagara College student, and her drive to go above and beyond to help them succeed.
“What I love most about my job is the students. I am amazed by the resiliency of the students I work with, they face so many challenges and keep going day after day to meet their goals,” said MacIntosh. “It’s a privilege to help students who at times feel like they’re spiralling down – we help them navigate a complex system of supports, and build relationships with others in the college to make sure students are able to access those supports.”
MacIntosh has helped make a number of positive contributions to the College, having co-designed a 14-week elective course with professor Joanna Cielen that addressed various aspects of mental health and wellness. MacIntosh, along with fellow counsellor Angela Arsenio, also developed and delivered a 10-week dialectical behavior therapy skills based workshop. Later in June of 2019, MacIntosh and Cielen will also receive certification training in Koru Mindfulness, a program specifically developed for teaching mindfulness, meditation and stress-management to college students and other young adults.
MacIntosh also has good things to say about the support and cooperation of her colleagues in Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services:
“Our team strives to challenge and inspire each other to live our best lives, both at home and in the work we do with students. There is a fearlessness to try new ideas to support student success. The way our department has been integrally woven into the fabric of the college community is part of what makes NC such an amazing home for students.”
