Christina Berdine

50 Elliot Street, P.O. Box 106, Cannington, Ontario, L0E1E0

c_berdine@yahoo.com ! (647) 464-6601 ! linkedin.com/in/christinaberdine
________________________________________________________________________________
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Over eight years experience coaching young adults with employment goal setting;
Extensive work establishing and maintaining community partnerships and employment
opportunities;
Passionate about supporting vulnerable youth facing barriers to their career goals;
Strong workshop facilitation skills and ability to engage and motivate a diverse audience.
EDUCATION
Post-Graduate Certificate, Career Development Practitioner
Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ontario

2016 expected

Coursework included:
Professional Ethics, Interviewing, and Counselling
Career Counselling for Youth and Young Adults
Group Training and Facilitation
Diversity
Honors Bachelor of Science, Medical Science and Psychology
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
International exchange to Australia

2007
Jan 2007-Dec 2007

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ASD, Mental Heath, and Employment, Autism Ontario
Understanding Job Development Strategy, EMP Oakville
Combined Crisis & Suicide Intervention, Durham Mental Health Services
SafeTALK, Durham Mental Health Services
Cannexus15 Conference, CERIC
Mental Health First Aid: Adults who Interact with Youth
Mental Health and Youth Transitioning into the Workplace, CACEE
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Training, Seneca College
Communication Skills for Instructors, Seneca College

April 2016
Nov 2015
Nov 2015
Oct 2015
Jan 2015
May 2014
Apr 2014
Jan 2014
Jun 2013

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Job Developer
Oct 2015-Present
VCCS Employment Services, Lindsay, Ontario
Utilize a client-centered approach to match the best fit candidate with an employer;
Counsel one-on-one with at-risk youth, using a strengths-based focus to job search;
Liaise with local employers to discuss hiring needs and assist with strategic recruitment,
selection, and retention;
Facilitate referrals for clients to local community agencies;
Recognized for having highest retention rates for job development clients;
Facilitate Setting Job Search Goals workshop, adapting presentation to best suit unique
audiences.

Christina Berdine
50 Elliot Street, P.O. Box 106, Cannington, Ontario, L0E1E0
c_berdine@yahoo.com ! (647) 464-6601 ! linkedin.com/in/christinaberdine
________________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer Lead Coach/Workshop Facilitator, Choices Program
Jun 2014-Present
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), York Region, Ontario
Quickly establish rapport with youth by embodying an empathetic, non-judgmental, and
approachable nature, resulting in engaging workshops and increased participation;
Create an inclusive environment through trust building exercises that allow youth to share and
participate while receiving unconditional support;
Workshop topics include: communication, decision making, goal setting, coping skills, and selfesteem;
Facilitated second training session for over 15 newly recruited volunteers.
Part-Time Faculty Instructor, Career Development
May 2013-Oct 2015
Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology, Toronto, Ontario
Received consistent, above-average teaching reviews for enthusiastic delivery of interactive
lectures on career development to students;
Tailored instructional materials and one-on-one advisement to each unique individual;
Instructional topics include: marketing documents, professional portfolios, job market research,
job search skills, and interview skills.
Co-operative Education Coordinator
May 2012-Jun 2015
Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology, Toronto, Ontario
Instructed up to 60 students in the areas of document development, interview and networking
techniques, professionalism in the workplace, and successful transitioning from school to
industry;
Provided timely and accurate advice to students one-on-one with admission to co-op programs,
maintaining co-op student status, performance expectations, and evaluations of co-op
placements;
Developed and maintain positive relations with over 40 employer partners in the applied
sciences industry, resulting in repeated hiring of co-op students each year.
Education and Career Coach
Sep 2011-Oct 2015
Best-Fit Education & Career Consulting, York Region, Ontario
100% of clients with a grade increase, in part due to adaptive teaching style while tutoring
grades 9-12 mathematics and sciences;
Recognized by students and parents for going above and beyond when providing tools and
advice on post secondary and vocation options after high school;
Presented workshops for students and parents on career opportunities based on area of interest.
Recruitment and Student Mentor Coordinator, Faculty of Science
Sep 2008-Jan 2010
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Co-coordinated the Student Mentor Program and acted as a supervisor for 160 student
volunteers;
Counselled both current and prospective students on admission requirements, course selection,
career opportunities, and student services;
Delivered comprehensive public speaking, including enthusiastic and informative presentations
for Open House, Orientation, and at independent high school visits.
! ! !