Graduate Spotlight: Isabelle Mallette

November 5, 2026— After years of supporting students in the classroom, Isabelle Mallette wanted to help address the challenges they faced beyond academics. Ahead of Laurentian University’s Fall Convocation on November 7, Mallette is celebrating her transition from a career in education to a new role as a school social worker with the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB).

Mallette began her teaching career in 2007 in Montreal as a special education teacher before moving to Sudbury, where she taught students ranging from junior kindergarten to Grade 4 and eventually stepped into the role of Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). During her final four years in special education, she noticed that many students faced complex challenges extending well beyond academics, including anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and food and housing insecurity. Driven by a desire to show up differently for students, their families, and fellow educators, Mallette chose to return to university to pursue social work.

Staying in Sudbury to keep her family grounded, Mallette enrolled in Laurentian University’s one-year second-degree Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at age 40. She credits her husband’s support with making it possible to pause her teaching career and return to school. Encouraged by supportive faculty, including Professor Ligaya Byrch, Mallette decided to continue her academic journey immediately in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which she completed in three semesters while balancing coursework, a 450-hour placement, written requirements, and parenting. Mallette also credits Dr. Diana Coholic, Full Professor, School of Social Work with helping her through the process of writing her MSW practicum report.

“Meeting other students who had found their way back to school after working in various fields was extremely motivating,” Mallette shared. “I realized I had always approached teaching with social work values. At that point, getting my BSW and MSW was just a natural next step.”

Returning to the classroom as a mature student brought initial worries about fitting in and navigating group projects with younger peers, but Mallette found a welcoming, collaborative environment. Support from her family and a peer who completed both the BSW and MSW programs alongside her helped her find her rhythm and thrive throughout her studies.

Today, Mallette has returned to the RDSB as a school social worker and member of its mental health team.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting students, families, and educators,” said Mallette. “I hope I can bring compassion and curiosity wherever I go.”

She also hopes to create a safe place for young people to land, however brief those encounters may be.

For professionals contemplating a similar leap into a new field, Mallette encourages curiosity and courage: “Ask questions, send that email, inquire... You will never know if it is doable until you look into it and start asking questions.”

She acknowledges that her own transition depended on support and circumstances that made returning to school possible, while encouraging others to explore their options and speak with people working in fields that interest them.

Laurentian University congratulates Isabelle Mallette and all members of the graduating class of Fall 2026.