Getting to Know Guidance

Mrs. McAllan has been teaching for 6 years and has a Masters in Education, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science and Engineering, and a minor in ASL and History. Although she went to teachers college and is currently an experienced teacher, she did not originally want to become a teacher at all. “If you were to tell high school Christine that she would be a high school teacher, she would laugh in your face," Mrs. McAllan said. 

While in university, she opted for co-ops and did not enjoy teaching until she became a TA in her fourth year for a chemistry class, where she fell in love with the teaching profession. She sees herself as a slightly eccentric teacher who is honest and personal. She stated that due to her varying passions, it is easier to guide older students on their futures. “I am very much an animal person and would one day own a farm, that is my goal, to retire on a farm or to own one with chickens, sheep and cows," she says while speaking about her own puppy, Rex. Having grown up in the English farm country and working as a tour guide in Europe, Europe is her favourite place in the world, specifically Prague, the Alps and Scotland. Mrs. McAllan is a major fan of any sports-related film, her favourite being Remember the Titans. 

The next member of the guidance team is Mrs. Svendsen. She received her English and linguistics degree in 1996 and her Education degree in 1997 in her hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland. She began teaching in 2001. Her high school English teachers were both sparks that ignited her own interest in becoming a teacher. Before starting at a school, Mrs. Svendsen actually pursued a career in design and advertising, but quickly found that her true passion is teaching. She taught in the Toronto District School Board, and switched to Halton in 2005. At first she worked in English and Special Education at Lester B. Pearson High School but moved to guidance 12 years ago, continuing on to become the Guidance Department Head at Blakelock in 2017.

She wanted to work with students on a more personal level, dealing with things such as their unique interests, futures, and goals; “In my current role, I like that each day is slightly different and there can be many unexpected things that occur each day.”

Aside from her career, Mrs. Svendsen has a pet dog named Gustav- she would like to mention that he has his own adorable Instagram account, @gustav_svendsen. She has always loved the vibes of the big cities, so if she had to choose a favourite place in the world, it would be New York City. In fact, this is where one of her favourite films,The Age of Innocence, is set. Another movie she loves is the classic E.T. which she fondly connects to her childhood, and is moved by the story even now. 

Last but not least is TAB’s school social worker, Mrs. Miller. She did her Bachelors of Social Work in a 4-year program at Ryerson University (now known as Toronto Metropolitan University), and her masters degree at University of Toronto. Her career as a social worker started off as being a children’s therapist for 10 years before moving to the school board. Her desire to support youth and help others inspired her to take this career pathway. There are many different fields of social work, but as for school social work, Mrs. Miller recommends reading books about equity and social justice. She would also recommend any writing by Brené Brown, an American professor and social worker who strongly advocates for mental health.

Her family does not currently have any pets, but after babysitting her parents’ one-eyed cat, she is considering getting a kitten of her own. “I do have two kids, though, so they’re kind of my pets.”

If she had to choose a favourite place, she simply would choose to chill at home with her family. A movie she loves is “Bring It On,” a fun, comedic movie about overcoming challenges, which she says shows her personality. Considering the current social climate, Mrs. Miller empathizes with high school students. She believes that “students carry an invisible backpack full of heavy things. It could be things going on with your personal life, your friends, your family- it could be your mental health. I feel privileged to help kids unpack that backpack.” Mrs. Miller is always ready and willing to help any students in need. If you wish to be referred to her, you can talk to your guidance counsellor!