Deb Armstrong

Dedicated social services professional with credentials as SSW and RECE, bringing extensive experience in healthcare coordination, crisis intervention, community support, and education. Proven track record in leadership, program development, and fostering inclusive environments across diverse populations including seniors, individuals with developmental disabilities, and youth in crisis.

Board of Director - HR & Governance at Brain Injury Association of Durham (Present)

• Provide direction for the organization
• Establish a policy-based governance system
• Advance BIAD's mission
• Evaluate the Executive Director
• Set accountability standards

Enhanced Care Coordinator at TransCare Community Support Services

Healthcare case management and coordination of in-home health care services for seniors with attention to detail and customer focus using empathy.

• Healthcare case management; attention to detail
• Coordinate in-home health care high-quality services for seniors; customer focused, using empathy
• Enrolment of protected health information (PHI) in database
• Develop subject matter expertise in health system areas and act as a liaison for key stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships to foster a shared understanding and vision of core components
• Informing seniors of associated fees
• Verify eligibility for customer support services with TransCare and partnering service providers
• Plan, implement and evaluate the delivery of services (key performance metrics) and reassess them in a fiscally responsible manner (discharge planning)
• Participate in patient case conferences; stakeholder relationship collaboration
• Knowledge of community and government resources and relevant legislation
• Excellent assessment, negotiation & problem-solving skills
• Ensuring needs are considered; client satisfaction; building customer loyalty
• Billing management/ program review

Life Skills Facilitator at Na-Me-Res Native Men's Residence: Transitional Housing (Sagatay) Program

• Implemented clients' mental health rehabilitation plans; developing people
• Guided positive life skills principles and philosophies, life skill theories, creativity, problem-solving, group dynamics
• Coached life skills; self-management /emotion intelligence; Managed group facilitation, life skill formats and techniques and life skills planning

Residential Team Supervisor at Community Living York South

• Coordinated team to maximize support for people by blending talents; interviewed applicants
• Ensured implementation of programming with individuals, including rights and responsibilities
• Coached, trained & provided feedback to improve performance
• Resolved operational problems; led change with critical thinking
• Conducted performance evaluations with goal creation for direct reports
• Promoted equity, diversity and social inclusion
• Adhered to and maintained Fire Safety Training for Managers; OH&S Act; WHIMS; QAM-ensured MCCSS compliance; budget management, scheduling, documentation management

Social Services College Instructor at Gates College

Taught and supervised post-secondary students in various programs using diverse teaching methods.

• Taught and supervised post-secondary students (CYW, Police Foundations, CSW and DSW) using various teaching methods
• Developed curriculum; organized and prepared teaching materials and course outlines; research
• Created a stimulating, inclusive classroom that encouraged student involvement; determined effective teaching styles to match students' needs
• Maintained classroom management that enhanced student learning

Crisis Intervention Facilitator at Distress Centre Durham Whitby

• Delivering workshops that help new volunteers learn active listening skills of a Distress Centre crisis line responder, including communication, mental health and crisis intervention
• Assessing the skill level of current volunteers; resource management
• Co-creating and presenting effective training modules

Crisis Shift Supervisor at Distress Centre Durham, Crisis Helpline

• Was Point of Contact for volunteer responders in the event of a crisis intervention (emergency) outside of normal business hours
• Shared knowledge of local community agencies and the services they provide
• Made critical decisions that saved lives by assessing suicidal intent
• Provided emotional support in crisis situations

Team Leader, Quality Assurance at Distress Centre Durham

• 24/7 emotional support, crisis de-escalation, community referrals
• Provide orientation to new volunteers
• Coach, train and provide feedback to motivate and improve performance; compliance management

Direct Support Worker/Outreach Case Manager at Community Living Oshawa Clarington

• Assisted supported individuals in all aspects of daily living and care, worked in an inter-professional team
• Performed behavioural interventions
• Encouraged community integration; physical & occupational therapy programming; helped attain targeted goals
• Managed a caseload of clients; attended medical & educational appointments; budget management; created accountability
• Remained Proactive

Designated Early Childhood Educator at Toronto District School Board: Glamorgan Junior Public School

• Partnered with teacher, set up, planned for and implemented an indoor and outdoor learning Kindergarten program; demonstrated patience; child development
• Observed, monitored and assessed development of students through report cards; duty to report

Educational Assistant - Special Education at Toronto District School Board

• Adapted classroom activities, assignments & materials to support special needs' students (k-12)
• Reinforced classroom objectives, advocating for success
• Supplied at Toronto Outdoor Education Schools

Recreation & Marketing Manager at Abbeylawn Manor Retirement Residence

• Planned, organized, implemented, directed, evaluated and promoted indoor and outdoor recreational programs and activities for seniors; creative and flexible planning
• Promoted social media and event planned; public relations
• Recruited, selected, trained, scheduled, directed and participated in the evaluation of part-time staff and volunteers
• Fundraised and advertised retirement residence; media arts and design

Bachelor of Arts Degree – University of Guelph (2027)

Professional Certificate in Not-For-Profit Management – University of Western Ontario (2022)

Certificate in Conscious Care – University of Toronto (2021)

Diploma in Social Service Worker – Durham College (2011)

Diploma in Early Childhood Education – Durham College (2004)

Bachelor of Arts 1st yr in Psychology, English – York University (1989 – 1989)