I joined Ranch Ehrlo Society about 18 years ago, and like many, my career has seen growth and transition. I started as a casual child care worker, and moved up to become unit manager at Mitchell house for about eight years before taking a 10-month paternity leave. When I returned back to work, I became the unit manager of Dalla-Vicenza House in Regina. I spent one year getting back into the swing of things when the position of director of residential programs opened for the new Corman Park campus in Saskatoon. I applied for the job and accepted the position when it was offered to me. At the time, my family – a wife and three children – were open to relocating and so, I moved to Saskatoon on May 1, 2008. My family waited for school to finish and our house to sell before they joined me in August 2008. Those months apart were painful for me and my family; it was hard being away from them, but it gave me ample time to help coach, lead and develop the staff and programs at Corman Park.

After a couple of years, my family and I started talking about returning to Regina. I loved my job, but our hearts were in Regina- our families were there, our friends were there, our lives were there. We really had no one in Saskatoon.

And so, after much deliberation and discussion, we decided we would be happiest moving back to Regina. The Ranch was accepting and accommodating of our decision and generously offered me an opportunity to relocate and remain with the agency. I was offered, and accepted a management position in the program for persons with developmental disabilities. While it was a huge transition, it was one that helped my family and I achieve a greater quality of life. My family and I were apart again for five months, but we knew an end was in sight.

I dearly miss my old job at Corman Park. I miss the direct client and staff interaction, and opportunities to coach growth and development. It was hard for me to leave the director position at Corman Park, but it was made a little easier knowing they were in good hands with Kevin Mugford, Vance Heaney, Shawn Ly,  Josh Miller, Cam Banning , Lisa Greig and Dianna Stang. The incoming director, Dionne Baergen, will be an amazing asset to Corman Park. She will only help the programs grow and evolve.  What a great addition!

My new position is a new challenge. I now manage four programs for adults with developmental disabilities. It is the first time I have worked with adults, but the role comes with great mentorship from Dr. Karl Mack, senior director. We started the SLP (C) program in February 2013 so it hasn’t been too long. I’m still finding my footing but I’m excited to remain involved with the Ranch.

Through my relocation and career change, I’ve come to realize and appreciate how flexible Ranch Ehrlo is with its employees. They truly are a family-oriented agency all the way around; from its clients to its staff. They are accommodating and understanding and I’m grateful to work for such a great organization.  I am also grateful to have such an understanding wife and kids as I have put them through a lot in the last five years.

Coming back to Regina was like coming home.  We’re happy to be back.