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Natalie Bursey

Natalie is second from left, receiving the Provincial Child and Youth Care Award 2010 from the Child and Youth Care Association of NL.

Location: Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador

Biography
I grew up in a small community of about 4000 people. I came from a very loving family and led a very sheltered life. As a teenager, I got involved with any group or organization that allowed me to work or volunteer with children and youth. I always had a passion and energy for youth and was sure that someday I would change the world – especially when I became the next “Neon Rider”. This led me to spending my summers at a ranch styled summer camp where I had the opportunity to work with youth of varying ages and backgrounds. This was my first exposure to “youth in care” and to those wonderful people I now know as “child and youth care workers” and the coworkers I have the privilege of working with daily.

After moving to the big city of St. John’s and completing my BA in 1998, I began working as a CYCW at an organization called St. Francis Foundation (currently Waypoints). I still remained heavily involved in youth and outreach work in the community and my local church. It was through that work that I met my husband. Since that time, I’ve married, become the mother of 2 very active boys and have another baby on the way. Considering I grew up with 2 brothers, have worked specifically with boys for the last 12 years and have 3 of my own at home, I’m looking forward to the possibility of a girl to share my secrets with!!

How I came to be in this field
I met two youth at camp who were living in residential programs at St. Francis Foundation. While most of the other kids talked about their families, these youth talked about their workers. So much so, that I felt as if I knew these workers by the end of the week. While I thought that it was such a sad place for these youth to be, I was also inspired that there were people out there who were able to still offer them a quality life with strong, healthy relationships. I was determined to find out more. And after completing my degree, 3 years later, I applied to be one of them. I was hooked from the start and still can’t imagine doing anything else.

A few thoughts about child and youth care
The more I learn about Child and Youth Care, the more I realize how much there is to know – about the profession and it’s practice, of course, but also about myself. It seems like every person I meet in this field, whether youth or worker, teaches me something new. And there is such a wealth of knowledge and experience out there to draw from. Every day is different and every day is a new opportunity to grow and to find a way to help others grow.

When I sit with my friends and hear them talk and complain about how frustrating their jobs are, I can’t help but talk (and brag) about how much I love mine. I guess because of this, they think that as child and youth care worker, I must have the easiest job imaginable. If only they knew how much thought and energy goes into making every day a memorable one.

A favorite Child and Youth Care experience
I’m not sure how it’s possible to pick just one but I can name a couple that stand out to me

• The smile on a young person’s face when they’ve surprised themselves and accomplished something they didn’t think was possible.

• One of my boys standing in the door way with his arms wide open because I haven’t been around the unit for a couple of days. It’s amazing and wonderfully awkward as you immediately consider what you’re boundaries are supposed to be and then decide that the hug is so much more important.

• Those moments when you're with a young person and you’re both laughing so hard you can’t breathe but neither of you has any idea why. Laughter truly is therapeutic!!

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