Congratulations, to the class of 2024!

Lauren Brazier

President's Special Award for Academic Achievement

Lauren Brazier is graduating with a degree in Social Development Studies. Prior to her studies at Renison she completed a Social Service Worker Diploma at Conestoga College in 2023. In addition to this award, Lauren has also received the President’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Scholarship for Excellence.

Lauren is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Renison. Her placement is with Homewood Health’s Eating Disorder Program in Guelph. Lauren hopes to continue her studies to complete a Master of Social Work, and ultimately work directly with people who are dealing with eating disorders.

Michele Martin

Master of Social Work Award of Excellence

Michele Martin currently resides on the unceded traditional lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən People of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, colonially known as Victoria, British Columbia. Before pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), she completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at the University of Victoria in 2011.

Since the, Michele has worked in sexuality, health, education, and various support roles for folks with disabilities. For the last four years, she has worked as a Registered Social Worker in Long-Term Care. Additionally, Michele is a volunteer counsellor at a local non-profit organization that provides low-cost and accessible services.  

Michele’s future goals include advancing social justice principles within the health care field, particularly Long-Term Care. She plans to continue in her current role, but hopes to move into work where she can impact policy and legislation to shape health care services.

Dorian Whalen

Master of Social Work Award of Excellence

Dorian Whalen is graduating with a Master of Social Work (MSW), but is no stranger to Renison. He completed a Social Development Studies (SDS) degree in 2007, and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in 2008.

Dorian has been involved in the community as lay leader in his church, as a former auxiliary police officer with Waterloo Regional Police Service, and as the 1^st VP of OPSEU Local 258 and C.A.S. Sector Rep for over 10 years. In addition to this award, he received a number from Renison while completing his SDS and BSW degrees, and won the OPSEU/SEFPR Starfish Award for Outstanding Commitment to Public Service in 2023.

After 15 years spent in child protection work, Dorian chose to resign his position at Waterloo’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre to pursue an MSW degree. In his own words: “I look forward to returning to Social Work, shaped and inspired by all the folks in the MSW program who fight everyday for the folks they work with, and for more just and equitable communities. I believe 'doing' social work is always a collective effort, and I share the credit for this award with all my fellow graduates and am grateful for all the shared learning together.”

Chelsey Freeman

Bachelor of Social Work Award of Excellence

Chelsey Freeman is graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. She has been an active volunteer for years with local agencies in support of people struggling with mental health and addiction.

Chelsey is currently completing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Renison and is work at a School Board for her placement. Her future career plan is to practice trauma-informed counselling with children and youth.

Sherry Slejska

Bachelor of Social Work Award of Excellence

Sherry Slejska spent the first half of her career years as a marketing communications professional after completing a diploma in advertising and marketing at Humber College. She continued her education while pursuing that career at McMaster University, where she completed studies in digital marketing. In 2017, Sherry was awarded the designation of Charter Marketer from the Canadian Marketing Association in recognition of her expertise and contributions to the marketing profession.

After a series of personal events, Sherry found herself drawn to work that had a more direct impact on people's lives; this led to volunteer work with adults who had experienced childhood sexual abuse and other early life adversities. Sherry has worked with The Gatehouse in Toronto and the Sexual Assault Support Centre in Waterloo Region, where she developed and presently leads a group for adults impacted by childhood sexual abuse. Her passion for helping others led her to Athabasca University, where she completed a Bachelor of General Studies in arts and science while managing marketing communications for a midsize software company full-time. This degree laid the foundation for a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Sherry was recently registered as a Social Worker in Ontario and is an advanced-standing Master of Social Work student at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her plans include advocating for and supporting those who are healing from early life trauma. She expects this work to encompass advocacy, research and clinical work with individuals and groups.