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Inspire: Kaitlyn Chamberland is all about kindness, giving back

St. Charles College student’s teachers call her a ‘ray of sunshine’
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St. Charles College student Kaitlyn Chamberland has a passion of dance and for encouraging others to be kind.

Kaitlyn Chamberland, an 18-year-old student at the Learning Support Centre at St. Charles College, is described as a “ray of sunshine.”

She is actively involved in the school community through the breakfast and dance focus programs, and is constantly promoting the value of diversity. Chamberland wants others to learn from people who have special abilities.

The Learning Support Centre is comprised of 10 students with various special abilities, who range in age from 15-21 years old. She works very closely with special education teacher Meredith Allan, and classroom educational assistant Jodi MacDonald, to develop functional skills that she can put into practice once she graduates from the program at age 21.

Since her Grade 9 year, Chamberland has expressed a passion for dance, and is currently enrolled in  teacher Patty Demore’s dance focus class. She has been responsible for warm-ups and choreography in various genres of dance. 

“Kaitlyn has certainly set the bar high for other students in our school who also have exceptionalities, and that they can do anything if they put their heart into,” Damore said. “We are so proud of her determination, and desire to continue to grow as a lifelong learner.”

Chamberland has also participated in classroom projects such as the “Be Kind” campaign, where  students designed and made 500 t-shirts to promote kindness in the community. Chamberland recently performed with her dance focus group at the Down Syndrome Association’s  Christmas social, and has expressed an interest in this particular group as a way to help other children with Down Syndrome reach their personal goals. 

As Meredith Allan said, “I hope that sheds some light on who she is as a young lady.”

Chamberland is curious about writing music and travelling. She says her parents have taught her to be a “good person”, and she enjoys volunteering because “it’s fun.” She said she is inspired by her parents and teachers.

Kaitlyn Chamberland’s words of inspiration 

“Be kind to everyone!”

James Stewart is a freelance writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.


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