Respite and Support Connection
A free Family driven Connection service For Families to connect with Respite and community Support workers- Kootenays Based.
Disclaimer: Diverse Family Roots Society is the facilitator for connection and therefore has no responsibility regarding wages, length of support between families and respite / community support workers. Families and Support People are responsible for ensuring clear, vulnerable-persons criminal record checks are in place..
Providing Respite Support:
Fran deBruyn
Nelson and Area
My name is Fran deBruyn and I am interested in doing respite care for families in or near Nelson. My passion for working with children and families was nurtured through growing up in a big tight-knit family and several years of education. I have a Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma, Child Studies degree, and completed the art therapy program at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute in Nelson.
My interests outside of studying include being creative (painting, drawing, collaging), being active (I love to go to the recreation centre gym, pool, and ice rink), playing card or board games, and spending time outdoors.
I have fifteen years of experience working with children of all ages and their families. I am currently the program manager of a before and after school care program located out of South Nelson Elementary School. I have done respite care in the past and enjoyed the special bonds created with the child and their family. I find respite care to be unique in its ability to foster strong, genuine relationships through play, the sharing of experiences and interests, and being welcomed into a family’s home. I love this work because it is such a mutual learning experience between myself and the child as we develop safety, stretch each other’s world views, and introduce each other to new activities and passions.
It is an honour to be apart of a child’s life in this way and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to meet new children and families.
To get in touch, use this form to send a message to
Fran deBruyn
Providing Community Support:
Gael Milligan
Castlegar
Life Skills. Support, Connection.
Some parents struggle with understanding the reports, assessments, and communication with school staff and professionals. It can be a lot to process. We can sit together to clarify the key points and see how those can become part of their working understanding, by seeing what fits and what can be set aside for now. I’ll attend IEP meetings to provide any additional support they may need. Those meetings can be overwhelming.
When I meet with families in their homes, I offer support for whatever they’re dealing with now and into the near future. This includes information and support to guide them in creating goals and plans for their child who may be struggling with emotions, self-regulation, and life skills. Then, as we talk further, I hope to offer new ways of addressing these concerns and issues with them and help them plan their next steps.
I will work with their child, sometimes using scripts to say and picture communication symbols to make and plan schedules, and always listening for their child’s nuances, understanding, and communication to fine-tune our time together. It’s so important to stay attuned and respectful, watching and learning with each meeting so that the times together reflect a very kind and thoughtful time together.
Whatever is needed, I’m there to listen and support them through this time. I have many resources to share with families that cover all aspects of self-care, life skills, and communication skills.