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Hi! My name is Becky and I am so excited to be a part of the CRCNA. I have the pleasure of working with two ministries—Safe Church and Disability Concerns. As I step into this role, I wanted to give everyone a chance to get to know me a bit better.

I think the first thing to know about me is that I love art. My degree is a Bachelor of Applied Arts. However, as I was working my way through that degree, I felt it was lacking something. I wanted to connect with others through art in some way. Fast forward a few years (and two kids later) and I completed my Diploma in Art Therapy. The decision to complete that diploma was one of the best choices I have made. Art Therapy has allowed me to connect to some truly amazing organizations and individuals. 

While working as an art therapist, I was volunteering at my local art gallery. One day the curator came up to me and asked me if I would like to curate a show about art therapy in the community. Yes, please! That show allowed me to highlight the amazing people I had been working with through art therapy. I was working with seniors living with dementia, families who had children living with Down Syndrome, children who were medically fragile and pregnant teens and teen moms who were working on re-imagining a life with the proper community supports. It was incredible bringing all these community groups (and people) together through their art. 

What resulted from that show was that I was asked to work at the gallery and be the volunteer coordinator. In that capacity I had the opportunity to connect to many of these community organizations and offer ongoing access to the arts through various programs we supported through the gallery. It was win/win. So, I stepped into that role. I loved my time at the gallery, meeting many artists face to face, learning even more about art, and building more capacity for accessibility within the space.

However, not one to sit still for too long, I decided yet again it was time to go back to school. I still felt I had more to learn. I applied to Martin Luther University College (at Wilfred Laurier University) to enter the Master of Arts: Theology, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program. I am happy to say I got in and I am currently taking my first of many courses! Part of this decision to go back to school was also a decision to refocus my goals. I felt there was more to my desire to come along side people and support them. I wanted to be very intentional about this. I wanted to bring a more spiritual aspect into my work. I wanted to focus on working within ministries specifically.

So – here I am! I am so happy to be a part of the Safe Church ministries and Disability Concerns team. I am excited to meet everyone and connect with you. Please feel free to reach out. I am here to help and support in any way I can!

Comments

We're so happy to have Becky as a part of Safe Church Ministry. And we're looking forward to improving connections and networking capacity among safe church coordinators, team members, churches, and classes in Ontario; we're certain that Becky will play a key role in making that happen. Welcome Becky!

Hi Becky,

I'm a volunteer disability advocate and graduated from Dordt College (now University) with a minor in art...nice to meet you!

 

Hi Becky, Great to have you on board!! Definitely got to get together for the art therapy ideas:):)

Cara Milne asked that I send you info on the upcoming workshop on 'BUILDING COMMUNITY' on Nov.14, 1-4pm at the Maranatha Free Reformed Church in Hamilton that I'm co-ordinating. Cost is : $55/ registrant.  Can you give me your personal email address?  

Please email / call me if you have any additional questions:)
Margaret Heemskerk

Director, Peace Haven

[email protected]

519-770-8816

 

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