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Congratulations to the 2021 Award Recipients.
Caroline Fabbruzzo
Caroline Fabbruzzo
Instructor Appreciation Award
Caroline Fabbruzzo is an Early Childhood Studies Professor known for her meaningful mentorship, guidance, and encouragement with her students. Fabbruzzo effectively adapted her teaching methods to facilitate a compassionate environment for students to feel comfortable enough to share their uncertainties regarding the pandemic. As stated by students, “Professor Fabbruzzo has been the most supportive and empathetic professor I have had the pleasure of learning from during my two years at the University”.
Fabbruzzo's continuous support for her student’s success inspires students beyond the classroom by helping them excel in their desired specialties in the field, “professionals like Caroline bring inspiration to extending the role of an educator beyond the scope of the early learning classroom”.
Thank you, Caroline, for your outstanding guidance and support for the Early Childhood Studies students' at The University of Guelph-Humber.
Shane Chitterman
Shane Chitterman
Student Excellence Award
The first recipient of the Student Mentorship in Early Childhood Studies Award is Shane Chitterman. Shane effortlessly stands out in and out of the classroom from his ability to display leadership and passion for the field of Early Education. Despite the difficult year we’ve had, Shane has exhibited strength and care by never hesitating to help his classmates with their questions and ambiguities. Without question, Shane continually makes himself accessible for the needs of others with a respectful and accommodating approach that is humbling. One student stated, “Shane was always available to provide advice, edits, and suggestions, I am grateful that Shane has been there to support my learning in so many different ways!"
Additionally, Shane takes his education in Early Childhood Studies outside the classroom by sharing information through his YouTube channel. Currently, topics discussed include Autism, physical activity, and ADHD. These videos are an exemplary resource that is needed for Early Childhood Professionals to create safe spaces to have important conversations about the rising issues in Early Development.
Closing with this statement, “Shane’s extroverted personality has given a level of comfort to many students to approach him and engage in meaningful conversations with him”. We look forward to the future Shane has in the field, we are proud to have mentors like him in our program, Congratulations Shane!
Mehwish Kirmani
Tricia Jairam
Student Excellence Award
Tricia is an exemplary student who demonstrates leadership and empathy in the field of Early Childhood Studies. Her classmates describe her as someone who, “wants to make a difference with her degree”, she is an active listener who uses her knowledge to help other students in the program. Her proactive and positive attitude has stood out in her classes as she is a leader who helps others find their voice. Tricia continues to advocate for social injustice in Early Childhood Studies and hopes to make a difference in anti-discriminatory policies in her future work.
Overall, Tricia is a strong student who is resilient, hopeful, and selfless in her daily interactions with others. Despite the difficult year shared by the cohort, her classmates say, “Tricia somehow, still kept the needs of others ahead of her own”. This has easily created a ripple effect and inspired others to find meaning in their future work as Early Childhood Professionals.
Congratulations Tricia, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Tricia Jairam
Mehwish Kirmani
Student Excellence Award
As an active First-Year Experience (FYE) Leader, Mehwish has been a familiar face in the ECS Community, by mentoring first-year students and making herself available to her classmates. As said by mentees', “Mehwish is a perfect example of a student that goes above and beyond to ensure all new students feel comfortable in their environment”. Her dedication and passion for student success with studying professionals and children are evident, as she brings an energetic and joyful attitude in all her endeavors.
Mehwish’s efforts have led to a great sense of community and belongingness for first-year students, “she makes new students feel more comfortable being at a new school by providing guidance and being kind”. We can confidently say first-year student success at the University of Guelph-Humber is successful because of wonderful mentors like Mehwish, who are involved and go the extra mile for each fellow student they encounter.
Congratulations Mehwish, you’ve made such an impact on the program and fostered a welcoming sense of community!
Melissa Cesario
Melissa Cesario
Alumni Bloomer Award
Melissa is an Alumna from the graduating class of 2019, she currently works at ErinOakKids in the respite department. In this position, she works with children, teenagers, and adults with various special needs including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and more. Melissa went on to get her diploma in Special Needs at Humber College, as she continues to be a leader in the field of Early Childhood Studies her passion for the field of special needs is evident through her professional achievements and interactions.
The mentorship Melissa provides to studying professionals is inspiring, an intern stated, “Melissa has been a wonderful supporter, she helped me look at post-graduate options and is helpful whenever I have questions about my course information." Additionally, both her academic knowledge and experience shine bright as she helps others understand the profession more. Those to work with Melissa say she, “explains concepts, provides examples and helps others look at their strengths” making them a stronger professional. Overall, Melissa's leadership in the field is nothing short of exemplary and what we need in the field today.
Congratulations Melissa! Continue to share your leadership with those around you as you blossom in the field.
UofGH Early Childhood Studies Program
UofGH Early Childhood Studies Program
Excellence in Mentorship Award
In a difficult and unprecedented year, we are delighted to present the Excellence in Mentorship Award to the Early Childhood Studies Program at The University of Guelph-Humber.
The dedication, resilience, and innovative approach the Early Childhood Studies staff and faculty took to provide students with an opportunity to embrace remote field practicums, was not easy. Student feedback indicated that “it created long-lasting, strong relationships, where members felt safe and welcomed”. An additional student stated, "it’s not a field practicum anyone would have chosen, but we learned a lot about ourselves and what we are capable of".
The intention behind UofGH virtual field practicum opportunities was to offer students a chance to see the gaps in Early Education, especially ones heightened by the pandemic. They focused on conducting research and developing accessible resources. All in hopes to relieve the additional stress put on children and families during the pandemic.
A student expressed, “this placement taught me to value my perspective and to believe in my abilities as a professional. I never thought I would be able to share my ideas and knowledge freely without fear of judgment. As a professional, I have learned how to create strong, healthy and responsive relationships with peers”. Students in the Early Childhood Studies Program have taken a special position in the content development of Weareone4Children.org and research support for Children’s Art.
We encourage you to explore both projects and support their efforts in making equitable educational resources accessible.
Children's Art: https://www.childart.ca/participate
Weareone4Children: weareone4children.org
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