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David Martin

Location: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Biography
In my younger days I was a bit of an athlete. So when I went off to Memorial University at the age of 16, I thought I should go into the faculty of physical education. I lasted there for about 18 months. It was probably a combination of being too young and really not having a vision of where, or what I wanted to do. I withdrew from university in the back half of my second year.

Now what to do? In the summer I ran a little league baseball program for the city. The first summer I did that, I made $1.44 per hour. I saved $ 35.00 and had $9.44 spending money. As I went into my first September of no school, I was befuddled as to what to do. I took a job as a collection agent. I would phone people who had no money and demand they pay their past due debts. I lasted a month. I then got a job with a local airline as a ticket agent. I had to train for a month in Gander, NL. It was the first time I was away from home. I was then transferred to St. John’s and worked on the counter at the St. John’s airport. This was well before the era of computers. Everything was done by paper and telex. (For those who don’t know what telex is, do a Google search.) I left the job by the next spring. I then got a job with CN rail as a pay master. I was stationed in Stephenville, NL. I stayed there through the summer, but by then I had enough and enrolled back into university. Those job experiences told me I did not want to be in an office type setting.

At university, I enrolled in the education faculty. I was studying elementary education. In my second year it was announced that our faculty was going to offer a diploma program in special education. I decided to enrol. One of my professors, Dr. Wayne Nesbit, had a profound influence on me and my future career. I always considered him to be a mentor. He instilled the belief that our role should be that of an advocate for those children and youth who cannot do this for themselves. While in university to make ends meet I had two steady jobs; one was at Educational Television where I worked as a sound and camera person, and the other was as a “bouncer” at the local university bar, the Breezeway.

I graduated in the spring of 1977. As one of only 16 people in the province to possess a Diploma in Special Education, getting offers to teach was not a problem. I chose the farthest away from home – Labrador City, Labrador. I decided I would go there for one year. I stayed two, moved back to St. John’s, and took a position on Bell Island (http://www.bellisland.net). What an adventure. I commuted from the city to Bell Island everyday travelling by ferry, in all kinds of weather. I set up a work experience program there for 14-16 year olds who were suppose to be the ‘slow learners’. They were a great group. It was a very enjoyable year. But the call of Labrador was still in me, and I returned the next fall and stayed for 24 more years. During that time I received my degree in Special Education and a Master of Education, Guidance and Counselling. I also met my wife. We have a son, and now a daughter-in-law and a 14 month old grandson.

How I came to be where I am today
I travelled extensively throughout my career across Labrador for the school district. My last 7 years with them, I was the Program Specialist responsible for the delivery of special education throughout the system. It was during this period I came to learn more about our aboriginal populations and their challenges. I learned a great deal about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Most importantly, while it is a major area of concern within the native population, it is an equally important issue in our non-native population; not only in Newfoundland and Labrador, but across our country and indeed in every part of the world where alcohol is available. In 2005, I was seconded from my position in Labrador into the Department of Education as a consultant for FASD. This broadened my advocacy responsibilities for children and their families who were dealing with FASD within the island portion of the province.

In 2009 Key Assets found me. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a great organization dedicated to providing a wrap around, therapeutic environment for foster children and their families in our province. Indeed, it also expanded my involvement with FASD, as I have now provided training in England, Scotland and Ireland. In June, I will also be travelling to Singapore, New Zealand and Australia offering my services to Key Asset staff, caregivers and families in those countries (see http://www.keyassets.ca/Fostering-In-Newfoundland-Labrador)

A favorite saying
I am not sure of the originator, but ‘Treating people equally, does not mean treating them the same.”

A writing of my own
http://cyc-net.org/cyc-online/CYC-Online-may2010-andrew.html

My favourite child and youth care-relevant link
www.fasdconnections.ca
This is a great site. It is maintained and current. It connects you to youth and their families dealing with FASD. It also connects you to the most recent publications with respect to issues related to youth and their families. It is a great site for the professional looking for current information and contacts.

Last thing I read, watched, heard, which I would recommend to others
Since arriving at Key Assets, in my quest to understand the child and youth care approach I have read Garfat, Applestein, Fulcher and Perry to name a few. They have been a great help, but here is the last thing I read, and highly recommend: Living and Learning with FASD: Jilly’s Story written and illustrated by The Bridges Intermediate Classroom at David Livingstone School in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In 2005, as the provincial consultant for FASD, I was seeking contacts to help me understand the challenges of living with an FASD. I travelled to Winnipeg, and met Deb Thordarson, a teacher and her students at David Livingstone. The children in her class have been an inspiration for me since that time. They produced this book and an accompanying DVD. It sells for $20.00. To obtain a copy of Living and Learning with FASD: Jilly’s Story please write to: The Bridges Intermediate Program, David Livingstone School, 270 Flora Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R2W 2P9 or phone 204 586 8346 or e-mail dlg@wsdl.org

A few thoughts for those just starting out
The opportunities and challenges facing youth today can be overwhelming. I think of that expression; if I only knew then, what I know now. For those entering into this field of working with youth, I encourage you to seek out mentors who can provide guidance and knowledge. Learning and growing in this profession never stops. Every encounter with a young person is a new opportunity to learn. Build and grow with every opportunity.