Personal growth is on the other side of fear
Having trouble balancing work and life? We have just the thing! Ashley Williams is one of two Work Life Consultants here at College of the North Atlantic (CNA).
“We provide a wide range of services to employees that include Educational Training Sessions and Workshops, Consults for Management and Employees (re: workplace issues),” she said.
Helping employees achieve harmony in their work and home life, Williams has access to a myriad of resources.
“We provide the three S’s: Support, Skills and Strategies to help employees succeed in their Work Life and Referrals when needed to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or community supports/resources,” she said.
Joining CNA in 2024, Williams says she is happy to be working in the higher education sector as she has her own passion for learning.
“I really like connecting with people and I consider myself a lifelong learner,” she said. “I find myself always wanting to know more so I keep collecting trainings, certificates and degrees.”
To ensure easy access to the work life consultants there are many ways to get in touch.
“They can email worklife@cna.nl.ca to set up a meeting with myself or Michelle,” she said. “Be sure to also check out our MS Teams Channel My Work Life for more information, resources and to access our pre-recorded education sessions.”
Two heads are better than one
Michelle Snow, Work Life Consultant at the Prince Philip Drive Campus, is new to this position but is no stranger to CNA.
“I previously worked as a Guidance Counsellor and instructor for our Grand Falls-Windsor and Labrador West campuses, as well as CNA-Qatar before moving into the position of Work Life Consultant in March 2024.”
Having previously worked almost exclusively with students, Snow is now enjoying working with staff.
“It’s been a true pleasure to connect with the CNA community on an employee level. Through our education front, we are understanding that people are looking for a greater sense of connection and community through the workplace,” she said.
Snow hopes to encourage people to get together and lean on each other.
“While the last number of years have disconnected us through separation and division for various reasons, I’ve seen the positive impact that gathering and sharing is providing,” she said. “It really is the way forward to creating greater meaning for an enhanced work life in addition to the individual supports available.”
If you are an employee of CNA and you are considering contacting the Life Work Consultants, Snow has some words of encouragement.
“Ashley and I are friendly people. Not to ‘toot our own horns,’ but we’re genuine and we truly care about the quality of the work we offer here,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re human as well, and we want to dissolve any barriers that people may perceive to accessing our services and provide a safe and welcoming space.”
Snow says stepping out of your comfort zone is key.
“Fear can hold people back, for example fear of judgement or fear of vulnerability. When we can lean into these fears and still take action, this is when our greatest growth can occur,” she said. “We deserve to feel good not only in the workplace, but in all areas of life.
For more information contact worklife@cna.nl.ca.
