Diane Gilliland

I first began working at Camosun as an instructional assistant in the School of Access before returning to university to complete my master's degree in Educational Psychology. I went on to work for ten years with Bridges Employment Training for Women, specializing in strengthening resilience for women impacted by violence, abuse or neglect.

During my time at Bridges, I also worked as a relief counsellor at Camosun and a sessional communications instructor at Camosun and the University of Victoria. Because I like adventure in my life and work, I also worked as a counsellor on an Outward Bound – Women of Courage sea kayak and surf adventure for women from the Sooke Transition House. I also had the privilege of coordinating Bridges' online program reaching out to women in remote and rural areas of BC and co-leading a partnership between Bridges and the Tsawout First Nation.

My passion when working in community is to strengthen resilience, belonging, partnerships and mastery of learning and life. I value ways to raise each other up in community including volunteering as a storyteller, a board member for the Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture, and an English assistant in Colombia.

Working in the EDCP program in the School of Access feels like coming full circle. The students in EDCP, their stories, commitment and support of each other are inspirational.