Lori K Walters

Lori founded the weekly publication, Peace in My Parenting, which focuses on personal growth for mothers of teens and young adults. Her articles are also published on Medium and Substack.

In this pilot project, I developed a model of support to improve the learning experiences of teen and adult students studying via distance technology from remote northern communities. In most cases, these students were uncertain about returning to school and equally doubtful about learning online. What emerged as the key ingredients to maintaining their engagement and success were consistent connection with one person, academic and technical support, liaison with instructors and, most importantly, sensitive life coaching.

The beauty of the Yukon shines in its people and Yukon College (now University) is an important hub for learning and community building. In my time there, I taught and tutored adult students completing their high school diplomas and transitioning into academic or trades programs or employment. Whether I was teaching math or English in the classroom or online, developing student success curricula, co-managing the Student Drop-In Centre, establishing new academic assessment procedures, or designing the new academic support model, my focus was always on empowering and inspiring these amazing, resilient students.

Provided leadership, strategic planning and project coordination for not-for-profit organizations, focusing on social and environmental issues. Honestly, I got into consulting by following my heart. There was discord growing in my home town and I felt compelled to lend my skills to spread awareness about the vitality of our watershed. I was organized, strategic, articulate and respectful. Soon I was being contacted by various community organizations to spearhead an initiative, design a project or find money for a program. My strengths were expert organization and bringing people on board. I created an inaugural Rivers Day Celebration, ran a unique horse-logging skills training program and promoted local organic faming. I shepherded a regional environmental organization from a collection of ad-hoc projects into a sustainable, recognized community education hub. My reputation for making ideas happen and bringing people together grew. I brought my experience and passion to women’s organizations, establishing a Women in Trades program and developing and delivering a violence prevention program for teen girls. Throughout these two decades, my commitment to community brought me into contact with many important initiatives, to which I was happy to lend my spark, experience and expertise.