• Careers in Helping Professions - July 2023

Careers in Helping Professions - July 2023

Emily Baker
Mental Health Counsellor, Cyno
Bachelor of Arts: Double Major in Psychology and Philosophy. Memorial University
Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University 

Emily Baker is a Mental Health Counsellor and a Memorial University alumna. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy at MUN in 2018. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Emily began working as an in-home Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapist working with children with Autism. This motivated her to explore more avenues in the helping profession and led her to complete her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in 2023. As a part of her master’s degree, Emily completed an internship with TouchStone Health Clinic in Blaine, Washington, USA, working with clients virtually. Throughout her schooling, Emily also worked as a car rental agent at Enterprise Holdings and Avis Budget Group, which allowed her to gain valuable skills in working with others and using her second language, French. Emily now works as a Mental Health Counsellor at Cyno, an online platform offering many wellness benefits for employees.

Gordon Hawkins
Coordinator of Cultural Supports and Employment, First Light
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology, Minor: History 

Gordon Hawkins graduated from MUN in 2006 with a BA in Sociology and a minor is history. Unsure of his path after graduation, he ended up on a summer placement with the St John's Native Friendship Centre (now First Light). From that experience he decided to become a community support worker. This eventually took him into child and youth care, and working in group homes. This path continued for many years, and helped him discover a love for training and education. This new direction would take him into other roles, including working with youth with disabilities, and becoming a College Instructor for 8 years. Gordon now is the President of the Child and Youth Care Association, and also sits on the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association of NL. In his current role, he is the new Coordinator of Cultural Supports and Employment with First Light.   

Emily Bonnell
Genetic Counsellor, Eastern Health
Joint Honours (Cell and Molecular Biology)
Masters of Genetic Counselling

Emily is a Genetic Counsellor with Eastern Health and divides her clinical care between cardiac and general genetics. She completed a joint honours in cell and molecular biology and neuroscience in 2017 at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Emily completed her Masters of Genetic Counselling at the University of Manitoba in 2020. Her masters thesis focused on patient perceptions of telehealth use in genetic care. Emily is passionate about providing and promoting ethical and equitable care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.