Lorraine DeJong recognized by Grand Erie District School Board

Lorraine DeJong, Social Worker within the Lifespan Team at Lansdowne Children’s Centre, was recently named a recipient of a Learn Lead Inspire Award from Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB).

Lorraine DeJong, Social Worker within the Lifespan Team at Lansdowne Children’s Centre, centre, was recently presented with a Learn Lead Inspire Award from Grand Erie District School Board Director of Education JoAnna Roberto, left, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Susan Gibson.

“I was very surprised,” Lorraine said.

For many years, Lorraine has sat on GEDSB’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) as a representative for Lansdowne, and for the past two years, she’s served as the committee’s chair.

Director of Education JoAnna Robert presented Lorraine with the award at the Nov. 25, 2024 board meeting.

“Lorraine exemplifies an inspiring passion for supporting students with diverse needs,” Roberto said. “She is knowledgeable of and responsive to services, supports and programs within Grand Erie, and holds the unwavering belief that all students — particularly those with disabilities and neurodiversities — will succeed with the right supports.”

Roberto praised Lorraine’s approach of fostering positive and reciprocal partnerships between families, the school board and Lansdowne.

“Lorraine is a shining example of an individual who learns, leads and inspires, and we are pleased to present her with this award in recognition of that,” Roberto said.

Reflecting on her 36 years at Lansdowne, Lorraine said from the beginning of her career to present day, “Supporting families has always been my focus.”

A big part of that has been an ongoing effort to better understand the special education portfolio, and to look for ways to improve communications between all involved parties, she said. Sometimes that’s meant asking questions about what’s happening within the special education programming, or looking for out-of-the-box solutions.

“There’s always new challenges around the corner. Every family is unique and different,” Lorraine said.

Other times, her focus is on helping bring to the surface what’s already there.

“All families have strengths; sometimes they just can’t see it,” Lorraine said.

In the end, her main goal is to do her part to bring everyone together.

“We share the positives and the challenges together, and the problem solving that comes out of that collaboration,” she said.

Lansdowne Children’s Centre Manager of Respite and Lifespan Services Bettina Oulton said the award was well deserved.

“Lorraine is truly an asset to Lansdowne and the department … I don’t think there’s a piece of Lansdowne she hasn’t touched.”