Get to know Jonathan
If you are looking for a pure coach. Someone who strives for others to achieve their goals then you have found that in me. My name is Jonathan Keen Therien. I am an educator and an adventurer dedicated to service. That means my purpose is to impart knowledge and skill while seeking out new environments and challenges. My goal is to understand and overcome all challenges presented before me. I do this so I can serve my community.
MY FORMAL EDUCATION
I am always learning and respect the value of lifelong education.
Where Am I Now? I am a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Social Work program. It is special achievement to learn from Laurier's Faculty of Social Work. The School of Social Work has pushed far into reconciliation between the colonialist history of European settlers and the oppressed histories of indigenous and racialized people. Today providing its students with a high-level of knowledge and skills to advance the well-being of all people.
How I got here? I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from McMaster University. This was an education in culture and media. It taught me that everything begins with communication. From the moment we are born we begin a life built through communication. Through our cognitive processes, our body, our language, and our actions we communicate with the world around us and create the life we live. In that knowledge we must accept that miscommunication is common and conflict is normal, yet we all share the desire to understand each other in peace and achieve our goals.
I later earned an Advanced Diploma from Mohawk College and became a Child and Youth Counselor. This took my understanding of human interaction and fortified it with practices of psychology, psychiatry, and sociology. From this I learned through practice the methods and approaches for interventions to achieve healthy development.
mY OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have always been full of energy with a thirst for information. Growing up I loved the arts, sports, sciences, and technology. This continued as I explored many diverse occupations, such as general contractor, bartender, cook, sales representative, and construction crew leader. Reflecting on my many experiences taught me that I crave two things in life: new experiences and providing service to others. Today I know I can serve at my best because I have gathered knowledge; explored diverse landscapes; followed the guidance of multiple mentors: and, challenged myself to fail and succeed at every step.
There were three very meaningful occupations during that time. The first, was the first, working for my family business growing up. The privilege today of being able to work with/for your family is rare. It creates awareness of the family dynamic and the responsibilities of ownership. Second, was the duel role of leadership facilitator and outdoor recreation guide. I facilitated programs for people young and old to become leaders and discover the rewards of regular interaction with the natural environment. Third, and finally, was serving the most vulnerable members of any community as a child and youth counselor. My work to help resolve their trauma and develop positive behaviour was beyond insightful. It was endearing and taxing upon my spirit, making me stronger and more aware than ever before.
Certifications
Here you can see I have gathered an abundance of experience in safety and training. This list encapsulates the diverse certifications I have earned over my life.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid - known as WAFA by the Wilderness Medical Associates of Canada. For first aid in extreme environments away from medical services.
First Aid CPR-AED - by St John's Ambulance
ORCKA Tripping Level 2 - Certified by the Ontario Recreational Canoe & Kayak Association to lead wilderness trips.
NVCI - Non Violent Crisis Intervention for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
UMAB - Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour for de-escalating and subduing aggressive and violent behaviour.
Restorative Justice - by Mohawk College for administering community centered justice.
Team Development - Certified by McMaster Outdoor Recreation ALTITUDE to facilitate leadership and teamwork development through challenge by choice programming.
Low Ropes Course Operator - Certified by McMaster Outdoor Recreation ALTITUDE to operate low ropes obstacles and challenges with the most safe and secure methods.
ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training by Living Works to assess and prevent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Risk Management - by McMaster Outdoor Recreation for ensuring safety and security in a changing environment
Smart Serve - by Smart Serve Ontario for the safe sale and consumption of alcohol
Food Handler - by City of Hamilton for ensuring safe and hygienic preparation and care of food for sale
WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Fall Prevention Safety - for working in around high places