THE GEORGE

Issue #27: November 2, 2023

With the arrival of Fall comes the exciting start of a new year of learning. So too at the George Hull Centre! Professional development to ensure innovation and continuous improvement has been a central tenet of the Centre since its founding in 1985. In fact, our breadth of training has become so essential and rich, we created unique multi-year Training Plans for all clinical staff in the Community Clinic, as well as Training Plans for staff in our Intensive Services and Prevention and Early Intervention departments. We like to think of them as a George Hull Centre mini post graduate program in clinical excellence and expertise! 

When George Hull Centre leadership came together to discuss and optimize professional education for the Centre staff, they recognized the need for a consistent, clear, and sequential training program that would provide the best experience and learning opportunities for current staff as well as prospective employees. A deliberate approach to offering impactful, year-round training was the goal. 

The work resulted in a Centre-wide Five-Year Clinician Training Plan, enhancing the skills and knowledge of the clinicians and in turn benefiting the clients we serve. The plan outlined five standardized learning areas plus special training opportunities. Due to the proven effectiveness and consistent implementation of certain modalities (DDP – Dyadic Development Practice, FTTP – Family Therapy Treatment Program, Brief Training, CBT – Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Therapeutic Groups), they were determined as mandatory. Additional specialties in the Training Plan include topics such as Mood and Anxiety, Attachment-focused Therapy, Trauma, and more. Training is then complemented by taking on cases with Supervision from Senior Clinicians, participating in study groups, and leading a group, thereby effectively solidifying the knowledge gained in an impactful and applied way. 

"The George Hull Centre is a place that truly believes in continuous learning and growth.

I appreciate how as a clinician we are encouraged in our individual journeys

and are invested in by leadership!"

- Clinician at the Centre 

The Centre takes advantage of internal capacity, as well as outside expertise to ensure a well-rounded and informed approach to providing the tools our staff need to be effective in all scenarios they are presented with. The Five-Year Clinician Training Plan was implemented almost a year ago. Ongoing metrics are kept to ensure we are on the right path forward. Early staff feedback has indicated a strong appreciation of this initiative as it recognizes their areas of educational interest, takes the guesswork out of choosing which trainings to focus on, and allows staff to be more effective and streamlined when using various modalities. 

By formalizing training, it helps to ensure that staff are equipped to provide the best treatment options possible, and resources are maximized. Additionally, this plan demonstrates our commitment to current and future staff and the value the George Hull Centre places on providing continual, timely, and relevant education. 

Menkes Charity Golf Classic: This golf tournament was held in September and for the second year in a row, the Centre was one of the beneficiaries. Thank you Peter and Sean Menkes (Menkes Developments Ltd.) for your outstanding $55,000 donation. 

Cooper Equipment Rentals: A five-year pledge ($100,000) to support the great work of the Centre. Thank you Doug Dougherty and the team at Cooper for more than 10 years of support! 

Martha Nazar has been the warm and welcoming face at the George Hull Centre’s reception desk for over 20 years! Before joining the Centre, Martha attended Ryerson College (now Toronto Metropolitan University) then worked with the Ontario Provincial Police and later at Ward Air in the marketing department. Of her time at the former airline, Martha says, “It was so exciting! I was able to travel to many places around the world including a month-long trip to Hawaii for my honeymoon!” 

Martha eventually decided it was time to make a change in her career. She had always loved children and public service, so when an opportunity to work at the George Hull Centre came up, she knew she had found the right place. Since then, Martha has been the first point of contact when our families step off the elevator. She has that special ability to develop a friendly and disarming bond with clients and staff alike, with a particular fondness for her fellow administrative team members. She says they are “a true inspiration” and remarks how lovely it is to work with such a wealth of knowledge. 

When she is not answering the phones and running the front desk. Martha is busy with her many projects at home and in the community. “I’m a DIY’er! I love to do everything from decorating my daughter's blue sparkle shoes to renovating my entire kitchen.” Spending time with loved ones though is her favourite way to spend time. She is the proud mom to her 29-year-old son who is a Child and Youth Worker (no doubt inspired by Martha’s work at a children’s mental health centre!), and 24-year-old daughter who is a teacher. She can often be found with her older brother and twin sister caring for their 100-year-old mom! Martha also enjoys visiting the family cottage on Georgian Bay and is an avid animal lover. Years ago, she rehabilitated a bird she found struggling outside of a Bank of Montreal (and subsequently named it BMO) and not long ago welcomed a rescue cat named Zoe into her home.  

Along with her friendly face and quick laughter, Martha brings a true passion and dedication to the George Hull Centre. Martha, we are so fortunate to have you and your warm, welcoming presence!  

SUNDAY DRIVE

Thank you so much to Sunday Drive for donating 100% of profits from their charity stickers to our Centre!

The founder of Sunday Drive, Aniket Patel, started the movement as a mental health project for himself. He would often struggle with self worth and be really hard on himself. Driving became a calming escape, a time to reset, and a reminder to be grateful for life's simple pleasures.

Sunday Drive offers many curated routes and encourages all of us to unwind and enjoy the views, all while following the limits of the road. Learn more about Sunday Drive and how to purchase stickers here.

Through clinical excellence and a continuum of mental health

services, our mission is to reduce suffering, provide hope and enhance the quality of life of infants, children, youth and families.