Through the Years - With Susan Donaldson, P.H.Ec.

Background
I graduated from Northern Counties College of Education in Home Economics (Food and Nutrition) in Newcastle on Tyne in 1967.

I then moved to Birmingham and taught Family Studies for a couple of years before moving to South Africa where I again taught Home Economics in High School until the University of Natal opened a University course which was the only program in all of South Africa that was not segregated, so it was an interesting and challenging experience that I am so fortunate to have experienced.

I arrived in Canada in 1981 and was based in Hamilton and I connected with the Hamilton Home Ec Assoc as I thought this was a good way to start my life in Canada with like minded individuals.  It was through them that I knew of the job I had for quite a number of years as a Dietetic Assistant as I was considered unqualified to work as a teacher.  Over time I did more courses as McMaster and eventually moved to Northern Ontario to run the Home Care program out of New Liskeard and as the sector evolved into Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) I moved to Timmins and eventually to Toronto.

Throughout the time I was in the Home Care and CCAC sector I continually drew on my learning as a Home Economist that was so relevant to the work that was involved.  I remained connected with HHEA and even went to Tanzania with Joanne Mackie at the request of the Tanzanian Home Economists we had connected with.

I have attended International Conferences and continue to be impressed how we as Home Economists have stayed in touch.
I am now completely retired and enjoying life in Port Perry.

How long have you been involved with OHEA?:

I do not have all the dates but from the early 1980's and I have served on the Board and was President once and twice as Board Chair.

Why did you keep your OHEA membership?:

It was the logical thing to do for me as a means of connecting with fellow Home Economists a variety of roles that reflect the range and complexity of our Profession.  It also allows a wider ability to try and promote Home Economics.

How has being a PHEc positively impacted your life?:

Because of my challenge with the apparent lack of qualifications I have not worked directly in the field of Home Economics in Canada but the people I have  met through being a member of OHEA have certainly been important.  They have provided me with not only contacts but also with their experience and social activities around conferences and or meetings.  I remain in close contact with a number of them and look forward to seeing them at this years conference.  Seeing how our profession has evolved over the almost 40 years I have been in Ontario and yet how in my opinion it is still so relevant that we can support the continuation of it being available to students.