Students excited to explore careers in counselling had the unique opportunity to hear from four Trent graduates now working in the sector.

During a Careers in Counselling panel hosted by Otonabee College and Trent’s Psychology department, recent graduates Tracy Condon ‘96, Brittany Faux ‘04, Nolan Blodgett ‘12 and Brittany Sirtonski ‘08 came together to share their experiences in studying at Trent, developing their careers in counselling, and life after graduation.

Each grad recounted their time at Trent as the catalyst that inspired them to explore careers in social work and prepared them for success in workplaces that directly serve the public.

Tracy Condon (MSW, RSW) (Psychology & Sociology, Champlain College) works at the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic in Peterborough where she uses her experience in social work to support people walking through maternity and newborn care. When reflecting on her time at Trent, Tracey notes, “It gave me the perfect foundation in sociology, how humans behave in the world, and so I felt it was a perfect fit for me to be a social worker.”

Brittany Faux (M.Sc., RSW) (Psychology, Otonabee College) works at the Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network as a Health Aging social worker. While her work primarily focuses on the day to day needs of her clients, Brittany also uses her skills to her protect them from vulnerable situations. “Elder abuse comes in many different forms,” commented Brittany. “It’s something we are always screening for in all situations.”

Nolan Blodgett (MSW, RSW) (Psychology, Otonabee College) owns his own practice and works out of Toronto where he specializes in therapy and LGBTQ counselling. “I remember being an undergrad and wondering about how to go into a career that isn’t research and not always having that information,” said Nolan. It was through the educators at Trent and his own exploration that Nolan found his way into social work and found his calling.

Brittany Sirtonski (MACP, RP) (Psychology & Sociology (minor), Otonabee College) owns her own practice and is the director of Sirtonski Integrative Wellness in British Columbia as specializes in psychedelic therapy. “The thing that I’m really grateful for is the value of the private practice because it really allows me to flow with the needs for myself and the areas that I really want to be growing – professionally and personally.”

Watch the full event online and learn more about applying to Social Work at Trent.