Fleming College

Child and Youth Care program coordinator Heather Sago brings the real world to her classroom. With more than 20 years of experience across Canada (Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Lethbridge, and Peterborough), Heather brings a national perspective on practice with children, youth and families.

Child and Youth Care (CYC) workers are an integral part of a treatment team and are involved in all facets of care. Fleming’s CYC program features leading-edge curriculum, including certification in the Therapeutic Use of Daily Life Events and over 1200 hours of field practicum experience.

“CYC to me is not just a job, but part of who I am,” said Heather, who has a BA in criminology from the University of Manitoba, a BSW from the University of Calgary, and an MSW with a child and youth care specialization from McGill University. “I hope to help students discover where their passions lie and how to integrate this into their personhood.”

Heather currently sits on the At Risk Youth Justice Committee & Judge’s Roundtable, Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies Research Evaluation Advisory Committee, the Development & Implementation Committee for the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada, and international working groups.

“While I may have lots to share, I also can’t wait to see what the students will teach me. Everyone has something to bring to the table and every moment is a teachable one!” said Heather.

She is excited to bring the Indigenous Perspectives Designation to the table this year. This designation is optional for CYC students, and those who choose to access it will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, which is marketable in the employment sector.

If you would like to provide opportunities for change in the lives of children and youth, Fleming is currently accepting applications for the January 2017 intake of the CYC program.