Shirley Soleil
640 Main Street
Wolfville, NS B4P 1E8
(902) 542-5862 (work)
(902) 670-4094 (cell)
shirley@shirleyandyou.com
www.shirleyandyou.com
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Chemical Injury Information Network
Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada
Writers Federation of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Professional Counselor Association
Canadian Counseling Association
Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Share Care & Prayer
Valley Disabilities Partnership Society
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2004 - Present Founder and Owner
Shirley & You
Wolfville, NS
- Provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as nutritional counseling.
- Facilitate a broad range of workshops on personal empowerment, communications, and leadership.
- Also lead presentations on topics related to personal health advocacy and environmental sensitivities.
- Tutor secondary and post-secondary students.
- Teach programs focused on improving study skills as well as for GED exam preparation.
- Edit manuscripts and other materials in preparation for publication.
1992- 2005 Founder/Executive Director
Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada
Wolfville, NS
- Managed all aspects of this non-profit organization.
- Counseled and advocated on behalf of those with invisible disabilities.
- Led a local support group.
- Developed promotional and educational materials and maintained the Association’s web site.
- Made public presentations, facilitated workshops and wrote articles for local and national publications.
- Edited the newsletter Invisible Made Visible.
- Developed the manual So You Want to be a Support Group Leader.
- Established and maintained the resource centre.
- Hosted the TV show Shirley & You, which dealt with timely topics.
- Produced a 4-part series of self-help videos.
1989 - 1992 Educational Assistant
Nova Scotia Community Colleges, Kingstec Campus
Kentville, NS
- Tutored students in grades 10 to 12.
- Covered the full curriculum including English and Math in Trades programs.
- Also taught a course on improving study skills.
1989 Counselor
Atlantic Center for Human Resources
New Minas, NS
- Was a family and addictions counselor.
- Also led workshops on enhancing relationships.
1988 – 1989 SHIRL’s Helping Hand
Wolfville, NS
- Assisted seniors with all aspects of household management.
1979 - 1980 Pastor
Arlington United Baptist Church
Arlington, NS
EDUCATION
2007 Diploma Writing for Children and Teenagers
Institute of Children’s Literature
2005 Diploma in Fitness and Nutrition
Thomson Education Direct (ICS)
1982 Masters in Education in Counseling
Acadia University,
Wolfville, NS
Thesis Topic: Empathy
Practicum: Crosbie House, An Alcohol Addiction
Treatment Center
1979 Masters in Divinity
Acadia University,
Wolfville, NS
Thesis Topic: Religious Ideation of Mentally Ill Patients
Practicum: Rehabilitation Center for Mentally and
Emotionally Challenged Clients as well as Dykeland Lodge and Grand View Manor
1976 Bachelor of Arts (English & Spanish)
Acadia University,
Wolfville, NS
1974 Associate of Arts
Atlantic Baptist College,
Moncton, NB
AWARDS
2006 Centennial Flame Research Award
1997 Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
1996 & 1997 Volunteerism Award
VOLUNTEER WORK (Past)
- Executive Member, Citizens’ Task Force on Environmental Sensitivities and Health of Nova Scotia
- Laubach Each One Teach One Literacy Program
- Coordinator, Morning Out Program
- Member, Valley Disability Partnership Society
- Church Volunteer (Various Committees and Boards, Youth Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Bible Study/Mission Leader)
- Director, Summer Camp
- Volunteer, Local Food Banks and Clothing Depots
- Volunteer Chaplain, Wolfville Nursing Home
- Member, Red Cross and Allied Youth
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