Assistant Director, Child Intervention Supports, Alberta Children and Youth Services. Born: Trinidad & Tobago.
At a young age, Sharon determined that education was the key to making a difference and being independent. After completing her studies, she moved to Edmonton in 1981 and has worked in the field of social work ever since. During this time, she has occupied a number of progressive roles such as, Caseworker, Supervisor, Child Protection Specialist, Manager, Executive Manager, Acting CEO of Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services Authority, and Acting Director. In her current role, Sharon has provincial oversight for Standards and Monitoring, Process Reviews including serious injuries and child deaths, Post Adoption Registry, Adoption and Permanency Services, and Corporate Projects.
As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, Sharon is very active in her church community and has led the Youth Ministries, currently heads the Family Life Department, and serves on her local church board. She loves to share messages of hope and has had articles published in the Alberta News, Message Magazine, along with several women’s yearly devotional books.
Honours: MC for the Gospel Night celebration for Black History Month (2009); National Black Coalition of Canada recipient of the Rosalind Smith Award for Exceptional and Prolonged Service in any Profession (Edmonton, 2006); instrumental in the development of the Child At Risk Response Team (CARRT) in Alberta, which is a partnership with the municipal police service and Children and Youth Services where they conduct joint responses to reports of abused or neglected children and youth. This partnership received a Premiere’s Award of Excellence, Bronze Category; inclusion in Who’s Who in Black Canada 2 (2006).
Education: Bachelor of Social Work, McGill University (1981); Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Science, Concordia University (1979).
Favourite book and why? The Bible as it provides Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. It’s the manual to living life to its fullest.
Favourite quote? “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” – Ephesians 3:20
Given the chance, what would you love to do that you haven’t done yet? I would love to give back to my birthplace; return to Trinidad and assist with developing social service programs for the underprivileged.
Who or what inspires you? My mother Edris Long died 8 years ago. She was a woman in Zion and I treasure what she has taught me. Mom gave even when she did not have to give, she loved unconditionally and she lived each day to its fullest, giving God the glory for each breath she took.
Why do you do what you do? I do what I do because God had a plan and purpose for my life and I thank Him for the opportunity to fulfill that plan. I love seeing people grow to the best of their potential and I take great pride in mentoring and coaching my staff. We make a difference one child, youth, family at a time.