50 Year Summary
Here is a short story of my life since graduating from Stanley High School in 1966, it has been challenging to be brief!!:
Following my graduation from SHS, I worked for the Province of NB for about 2 years, at that time there was no maternity leave, so I left my job and became a stay at home mum until my two children, Ken and Shelley were teenagers in high school. At this time in my life, my children did not needs the “hands on” mum so I began work part time however was feeling somewhat unfulfilled so made the decision to attend UNB part time, unsure at the time what I would like to pursue as a career. After taking a few courses, it seemed clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career in Social Work, transferred from UNB to STU, both universities are on the same campus but very different. After almost completing a BA at St. Thomas University I was accepted into the BSW program which at that time was a 2 years program. Following graduation from STU with a BSW, I continued my education at Carleton University in Ottawa, obtaining a Master of Social Work. At the completion of the graduate degree I worked in Ottawa for a few months, however, returning to NB was my dream, my children were both in NB and my son and his partner had a daughter, I wanted to be near my children and grandchild.
I was offered a position with Community Mental Health in Woodstock as a Mental Health Professional, it was an amazing opportunity, working in a small rural community, I had lots to learn about Mental Illness, service users and commitment to the profession of SW. After a few years I accepted a transfer to Fredericton Community Mental Health, another learning opportunity, and after a few years to Woodstock for a management position with Community Mental Health. I eventually returned to Fredericton working in the public sector until an opportunity presented within the School of SW at STU, I became a part time faculty with the School of SW, working in the classroom with students as well as coordinating field education for the 52 students enrolled in the now, Post Degree BSW program. I continue to teach part time at STU, however have been attempting to cut back on the hours I spend teaching and working with students in their field placements. When I was employed in Woodstock, I worked evenings and w/e’s as a private practitioner. I now fit my private practice into my daytime schedule, no longer work evenings unless it is an emergency.
In 2002, I was recruited to become part of the National Psychosocial Emergency Response Team consisting of Mental Health Professionals from across Canada. This team was established following the crash of Swiss Air off the coast of NS, there was a need for professional intervention during that recovery operation. I worked with a dedicated team of Mental Health Professionals for several months on and off which was a valuable learning experience. I continue to provide support locally, provincially and nationally following major traumas, however the financial resources provided by the Federal Government has significantly dwindled over the past 15+ years.
I have two wonderful children, Ken (Vicky) and Shelley (Joel), my son has two daughters, Amanda and Lacee, Amanda has two boys ages 25 months and 1 month at the time I writing this. I am GG to Camden and Elliot, they are such a wonderful gift to our family. My dad died about 18 months ago, he was almost 92, being a great great grandfather was one of the highlight of his life. My son lives nearby, my daughter is in Moncton, we spend as much time together as we can fit into our busy schedules, lots of birthday parties, and celebrations of special occasions. My two children and two grandchildren graduated from Stanley High School, both played sports at that school.
I am so looking forward to the class reunion and seeing my fellow high school graduates. Thanks to all of you who have worked to organize this wonderful event.
B. Wilkins, BSW MSW RSW
Mental Health Professional
(506) 367-2439 (office)
(506) 440-9125 (Cell)