Hello, I'm Paula!
I'm a social worker, facilitator, instructor, and creative person.
I'm also a facilitator with the Centre for Courage and Renewal. I live in Edmonton, Alberta with my partner and our two greyhounds.
I have a Masters of Social Work from Dalhousie University and spent nearly 10 years working with people affected by homelessness and poverty and facilitating interactive workshops in the wider community on the root causes of poverty. Currently, I am the Program Chair of the Child and Youth Care Diploma program at NorQuest College, and you can also find me teaching social work some semesters at The Kings University and MacEwan University.
My first exposure to the work of the Centre for Courage and Renewal was in 2015, through hearing an interview with Parker Palmer on a podcast. Shortly after, I took part in a Courage and Renewal retreat for Young Leaders and Activists where I fell in love with the process of Circles of Trust and I have been working to integrate the principles into my life ever since.
I have a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity and I am perpetually curious about what it means to live a meaningful life.
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I love creating and holding space for others to explore their own inner lives and contemplate what it means to be human, to live a meaningful life, and to make the world a better place.
I facilitate in-person and online events for staff teams, teachers conventions, faith communities, and community groups.
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Reviews
"Paula is an amazing instructor. She is wonderfully professional, Beautifully kind. It is clear that she was born to teach and help people. Paula makes the world a better place".
Student Evaluations 2018
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in circle with Paula & Dan, as well as the other members of the Circle. Both Paula & Dan showed competent, wise, and skillful leadership as they gracefully held us in the container of the Circle of Trust. I found that I came to each session with a sense of curiosity and excitement, grounded in a deep trust in the process and the power of the container itself. I would highly recommend, and I will certainly be attending future circles"
Past Retreat Participant
"Even strangers can dare to be open and speak honest with this process in place. I've learned it is possible to be honest with myself in the company of 'strangers' when it is invited and a safe enough place is being held. I learn from witnessing other participant's journey. Facilitators made me feel at ease. Both modelled a level of openness, vulnerability, and how the process works. Good poems, Excellent and relevant topics."
Past Retreat Participant