• understanding the employer/admissions committee viewpoint, since I've worked in both roles



• helping you clarify and gain comfort with your options...and possibly illuminate some snazzy new ones you hadn't even considered



• including you in the career counsellor abra-cadabra stuff so you can carry on later under your own steam



• supporting you towards your best writing, interviewing, career choices and work



• encouraging you when you feel like sitting all day in your p.j.s for the 5th day in a row, eating cinammon toast



• laughing with you, not at you (all the while taking your career seriously)



• explaining processes in relevant, individualized ways



• making world famous brownies (okay, so maybe that's not crucial to our immediate relationship)

The Fancy Stuff

Career Counselling - Since 1998, I have assisted thousands of individuals—from high school students to mid-career professionals—to connect creatively and authentically with work or school that suits their goals and aspirations. My former work recruiting internal medicine physicians and 8-year role as a community member of the Queen's University Medical School application process has resulted in many medical students standing up and yelling, "She's the reason I'm in medical school!" as I enter their classroom. Not true, but lovely of them to be so appreciative of my coaching help! I have created and implemented highly popular Applying to Meds, Meds Interviewing and Residency Application and Interviewing programs.

I have been qualified to administer and interpret the personality tool, MBTI™ (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) since 1999 and have been an institutional member of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) since 1998. I graduated from a Disability Studies diploma program in 1993. Due to my ongoing commitment to and interest in accessibility issues, I was appointed as Director Representing Persons with Disabilities to the 1000 Islands Workforce Development Board from 2007-2011. I was also very privileged to work as a voting member of the Employment Standards Development Committee of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario during 2008/2009.

Businesses - I have been the Director of Career Cupid since 2007 and I am the co-founder of the Support Student Success Group, an organization which speaks about and writes books aimed at helping people in transition to further education.

Speaking - I have been fortunate to speak at such diverse venues as The National Consultation on Career Development (NATCON), the Women in Science and Engineering Conference (WISE), and the Withinsight Canadian Student Leadership Conference. I have taught well over 1000 career strategies classes to university undergraduates and graduates in diverse disciplines ranging from engineering to art history. I have also counselled Executive MBA students and have developed and delivered a career strategies course for technology students in community college.

Writing - I am the author of, "Career Cupid - Your Guide to Landing and Loving Your Dream Job" (Writing on Stone Press, 2009), a humorous and informative book that draws parallels between the process of finding a great guy and finding a great job. I am a career columnist for JobPostings magazine and I am also the editor of two editions of the campus best-selling book, "Queen's Best Résumés and Cover Letters". I am currently co-authoring two career-related books: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Graduate School in Canada and "Getting Ahead Without Getting a Degree". I am also working on fiction projects for children and adults.  Yep, it's busy!

All Hail the Volkswagen Beetle - I can't help having a huge, silly grin on my face as I drive around in my 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, despite my aversion to the gratuitous violence that comes with the Punch Buggy Game.

Excerpts from my Smile File

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. - Helen Keller

"I have been with other career counsellors and Christine has been the best at helping push me but at the same time building my confidence. The job search process is not easy yet Christine made it fun and in the end very successful. She clearly cares about each individual client and not just because it is her business." - Bill M.

"Working with Christine has been a real pleasure. As a career counsellor, she is forward-thinking, sincere, and empathetic – I wish that every single student in Canada had the opportunity to sit down with Christine. Thankfully, those are traits that come across in her writing. As a columnist for jobpostings magazine, Christine is always well-ahead of deadline, and her writing is an absolute pleasure to edit. She never goes for the obvious lead, and her subject matter is always fresh, insightful, and relevant; she never writes fluff pieces. She is also damn funny, and has an uncanny ability to connect with readers on a personal level, always understanding their concerns, and always leaving them feeling encouraged" - Jason R.

"Not only was Christine's academic and career resource advice invaluable, but also her support boosted my flagging morale at the right times. I would always leave her office feeling more purposeful. Christine was a valuable resource for me." - Marney S.

"Christine is a warm, reliable and insightful professional. She knows how to truly listen, and she reflects what she hears in to useful steps that help her clients find rewarding results. She is able to help clients effectively analyze their aptitudes and interests and then formulate an action plan for realizing their goals. She has a clear passion for her field, and she is committed to helping people find their passion as well. I highly endorse her abilities." - Chris W.