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Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

For alumna Rikki Sibbald, the program was life-changing, offering expert training, and tools to provide compassionate end-of-life care.

(April 14, 2025) - Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula program has received national accreditation from the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada, a recognition of the high-quality curriculum, expert instruction, and comprehensive resources.

The micro-credential program is comprised of four courses totalling 100 hours in length. Laurentian University’s Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, who developed the program with the support of Home Hospice North, started offering the first introductory course in Spring 2023 until the program in its entirety was first offered in Winter 2024. In the year since the program started, there have been 12 graduates with another 20 learners currently in the program.

For those like Rikki Sibbald, who feel called to provide compassionate support to those in need, the End-of-Life Doula program offers the training needed to turn that calling into action.

Rikki, Laurentian alumna in Psychologie and Éducation, is originally from New Liskeard but has been teaching with the Conseil scolaire Viamonde in Penetanguishene since completing her program in 2010. Although very different from her chosen career, she had long been drawn to end-of-life care. After a couple experiences with caring for relatives in their final days, Rikki often wondered how she could deepen her understanding of death, grief, and the support families need during that time.

"I’ve always been interested in death and dying," she says. "I considered nursing because the caregiver in me is strong, but my love for academia was stronger so I went into teaching instead. Over the years, I kept searching for programs or certifications in compassionate end-of-life care but I could only ever find options in the States."

That changed when she stumbled upon Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program.

"I punched the words into the search bar one day, as I would do periodically over the years and when I saw that Laurentian offered it, it felt like a sign. Even more perfect? It was online, so I didn’t have to take time off work or be away from my husband and kids. And Laurentian is my alma mater, so it just felt right."

Rikki enrolled in January 2024 and completed the program later that fall. The non-credit micro-credential trains individuals to support people in their final days, guiding them and their loved ones through the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of dying. It covers everything from communication and grief support to funeral practices and legal considerations.

Throughout the program, Rikki was struck by the depth of knowledge she gained and the diversity of her classmates. "There were healthcare professionals, but also people like me—people who just felt drawn to this work," she says. "It was incredibly supportive, and the instructors were amazing. Having a Francophone professor also made a big difference because I want to be able to offer support in both English and French."

For now, Rikki is looking for ways to bring this knowledge to her community by partnering with local organizations, libraries, and hospices to support those facing loss through grief discussions called “Death Cafés”. Down the line, she hopes to turn this passion project into a retirement plan, offering respite care for families so that no one has to worry that their loved-one will die alone. 

Laurentian’s recent accreditation affirms the strength of the program. The End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada praised the program for its well-structured curriculum, high-quality teaching competence, and excellent student resources.

"This program opens doors," Rikki attests. "It’s changed the way I think about death, and it’s given me the tools to help others do the same."

Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program is delivered through the Micro-credential and Non-credit Programming department, and is offered in both English and French. It is open to anyone interested in providing compassionate, end-of-life support. Registration is open on a continuous basis with the next deadline of April 26, 2025. For more information, visit Laurentian University’s Continuing Learning page.

 

Inspiring the Next Generation of French Language Teachers

Inspiring the Next Generation of French Language Teachers

Accomplishments of Christian Laforge and Amanda Dion-Groleau, Baccalauréat en éducation graduates.

(November 22, 2023) - Many of us can think back to our school-age years and remember a moment where a teacher inspired us. 

The science teacher who tapped into your curiosity about the universe. 
The business teacher who showed you how to be your own boss. 
The English teacher who introduced you to a joy for reading. 

All of these moments were created by individuals who are passionate about teaching. Christian Laforge and Amanda Dion-Groleau, graduates from one of Laurentian University’s French language teaching programs, Baccalauréat en éducation (consécutif), are two of these passionate people.

Christian Laforge is currently a high school teacher in Timmins. His passion for teaching was only discovered once he became an active member of the Laurentian community. In 2014, Christian moved to Sudbury from his hometown of Grand Falls, New Brunswick to obtain his Masters in Experimental Psychology from Laurentian. 

Upon completion of his degree, Christian began his first teaching position as a lecturer within Laurentian’s psychology department. Through five years of teaching at the university level, Christian took on many additional roles around the Laurentian campus, including positions with Academic Advising and with Liaison. “My interactions with future students was a big motivator for me to enroll in a Bachelors of Education to be able to work with high school students,” said Christian.

Upon graduation, Christian was fortunate to have two full-time offers to choose from. “In both cases, the French teaching program helped me secure those positions so quickly, even to the point where I had options, which was incredible. Looking at the data, it appears that teaching in the French language has a high hireability right now,” he said.

As Co-Director of Shad Canada’s Laurentian University chapter, a not-for-profit organization who equip youth to tackle social and economic challenges via STEAM and entrepreneurial lens, Christian is still an important contributor towards campus life. “I had a great journey and enjoyed my time at the university very much. I feel like my education from Laurentian prepared me for what I needed to know to become a teacher.”

Amanda Dion-Groleau is another example of a passionate educator. Currently she is teaching French to Canadian government employees through a virtual format in her hometown of North Bay. She studied at Laurentian to obtain a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Psychologie in 2016 and a Baccalauréat en éducation (consécutif) in 2018.

“Never had I thought I would be teaching adults virtually with my degree but it’s been great. It is not where I would have predicted my career to lead me, but life gives you opportunities and you have to take them. I like where my path has taken me,” she said.

Due to Amanda’s ample experience in the classroom during her placements, which included unit planning and teaching four different grade levels, she was well equipped to teach French after graduation. Although her degree was aimed at educating younger students, Amanda learned crucial differentiation skills to design creative and engaging lessons that even her adult audience benefits from.

Educating her students to become fluent in French is a passion for Amanda. “I am proud of my language and culture. It is important for me to keep teaching in French because I like being able to share my language with more people. I want to encourage people to learn French through welcoming environments with engaging lessons,” Amanda said.

Looking forward, Amanda hopes to work towards becoming a pedagogical advisor, a role that will find her educating other French teachers how to structure lessons in more engaging and differentiated ways.

Student Club Spotlight: Laurentian students building community through faith

Student Club Spotlight: Laurentian students building community through faith

The Laurentian Christian Fellowship offers a friendly and inclusive environment for new and current members

(February 24, 2022) - Community, faith, and friendship.

These words come to mind when members describe the Laurentian Christian Fellowship, a student-led community of like-minded individuals interested in discovering and learning about Christianity.

“Laurentian Christian Fellowship is a really good place to meet new friends,” says Grace Raddon, the current President of Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship. “People would be surprised to realize what they can find in a community like ours. Our faith is a faith of community and that is what enables us to be so vulnerable with one another.” Connections made within Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship go beyond weekly planned events as members frequently participate in spontaneous study sessions, potlucks, camping trips, in addition to skating and bowling nights.

Grace is a francophone student in her third-year of Biologie and Psychologie from Blind River, Ontario (École Secondaire Catholique Jeunesse-Nord, 2020). She is joined by Vice-President, Kanah Sanfilippo, a third-year Indigenous Social Work student from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario (Rift Valley Academy, 2019). Together, they form the leadership of LCF and welcome new members to join in their events. 

The group meets weekly on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Classroom building, room 206, to host a variety of community building events. These events include prayer nights, guest speakers, worship nights, and group discussions. The Laurentian Christian Fellowship also hosts four smaller discipleship groups that meet throughout the week to foster in-depth, meaningful relationships.

InterVarsity, a nation-wide, non-profit, Christian organization, is the Fellowship's parent association. An InterVarsity staff member assists Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship student leaders, however, it is the students who ensure the Fellowship’s continued success.

Grace and Kanah encourage anyone interested in joining a community such as theirs to reach out or attend a Friday event. “Whether you are an active Christian or just need a friendly face, we are glad to have you and will welcome you with open arms,” says Kanah. “We would love for people to come out and have fun learning what it means to follow Jesus with us,” added Grace. 

To learn more about The Laurentian Christian Fellowship, please email lcfchanel@gmail.com or visit their Instagram or Facebook page.

Laurentian University launches fall Orientation

Laurentian University launches fall Orientation

University community ready to welcome new and returning students to campus.

(September 1, 2022) - The summer flew by, and here we are, preparing for another fall semester. As September begins, Laurentian University launches its fall Orientation program, a welcome week for new and returning students designed to help students stay positive, healthy, and connected. 

This year’s number of incoming students represents an increase from 2021 and they are very much looking forward to a more traditional in-person welcome week, even as face coverings will be required in all instructional spaces where distance cannot be maintained.

For students who have chosen to live on campus, residence move-in begins September 1st through to September 3rd. While activities are planned to welcome students to their new homes, Residence Life also provides support to students needing a helping hand getting settled.

Following residence move-in days, September 4th brings back the ever-popular “Beach Day,” an event that students can anticipate will offer opportunities for team building and making new friends. Orientation events offered through September 12th include campus tours, Varsity soccer home openers, cultural teachings (like fire keeper and wiigwam teachings), a carnival day, a game night and a scavenger hunt. The Sacred Fire will be lit in the fire pit area outside the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre’s Round Room from September 5th-9th and all are welcome to join.

To ensure Orientation is accessible to all, some events are offered in hybrid or online formats.

Corie Ann Flesch, Student Transitions Coordinator and Academic Advisor, and alumna of Psychologie (BA) and Interdisciplinary Health (MA) programs, is confident that fall Orientation will have a positive impact on students: “We want students to come to campus knowing that this [Laurentian] is a community. It really is a welcoming and caring environment and we hope that students come back with a renewed sense of support and belonging.”

Keeping this in mind, an academic orientation day will be held on campus on September 6th. Participating students are encouraged to attend information sessions at which they will learn about academic resources and other support systems that contribute to good physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. 

“Our focus this year in planning Orientation was not just about educating students about resources available on campus, but also about ensuring they have the best tools at their disposal to access these systems of support, successfully,” said Emma Groulx, third year Biomedical Biology student and Career, Events and Outreach Coordinator. Groulx explains that welcome booths will be located in the centre of campus in the R.D.-Parker building not only during Orientation week, but ongoingly as the first few weeks of the semester are underway. 

The energy across campus is already palpable, and students returning to or beginning their first year at Laurentian are all a part of this excitement. 

For more information about fall Orientation and to view the schedule of events, please visit laurentian.ca/orientation.