“Some of my best memories come from my time as a student at College of the Rockies.”
Those were Stephanie Mervyn’s thoughts in 2020. Fast-forward five years, and Stephanie is now employed at the College, supporting students as an Accessibility Services Coordinator.
It’s been quite the journey to this full circle moment – but one Stephanie wouldn’t change.
She began as a student in the Human Kinetics program (now Kinesiology), where she discovered a passion for teaching adults with diverse abilities. She also earned her Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) certification which has provided her the opportunity to work as a personal trainer and fitness instructor in various capacities over the years.
Her educational journey didn’t stop there. Stephanie went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees—one in Kinesiology and another in Education—before completing a Master of Education. All of this, while also navigating two pregnancies and the births of her children.
She credits her time at the College for preparing her for her advanced studies.
“The College is a wonderful place, both academically and socially,” she said. “Smaller class sizes and the opportunity to get to know your instructors make a huge difference, especially as a young adult from a small town. The College prepared me to transfer to UBC – I arrived there with high grades and an academic background that provided me with the confidence I needed to succeed.
Stephanie has worked as a teacher for almost 13 years in a variety of capacities including as an Online and Experiential Learning teacher and a Learning Support teacher in Nakusp where she gained experience supporting students and families. This experience, combined with the diagnosis of both of her children as neurodivergent, inspired her to explore a career in School Psychology. Nearing the completion of an Inclusive Education Certificate through Queens University, she hopes to earn a master’s degree in school psychology. Certified in administering level B assessments, she has found a particular fondness for the assessment process.
Stephanie returned to Cranbrook to ensure her children had better access to resources and to be near family. Already working as a Grade 8–9 teacher with an online independent school and as a teacher-on-call with School District #5, Stephanie saw the Accessibility Services Coordinator position at the College as the culmination of her experience and passion for inclusive education.
Happy to be back in Cranbrook, Stephanie looks forward to exploring more of the region—hiking, biking, and snowboarding outdoors, and enjoying indoor activities like the pool, climbing wall, and bowling with her kids. She’s also happy to have returned to College of the Rockies.
“The College is a great place,” she said. “I think it is a bit of a hidden gem in the Kootenays, and I’m thrilled to be back—especially now that I can call it my workplace.”