Gayle Thomas 2010
Gayle Thomas has been an integral part of the Adult Special Education Department at Okanagan College for over 15 years. I first met her when she was a practicum student from the Human Service Worker program. She made a very good impression and in March of 1997 she joined the department as the Coordinator of the work experience component of the PACE Program (Preparing for Access to Careers and Education). From there she never looked back. Every challenge became that opportunity that optimists always proclaim and Gayle quickly became indispensible.
At the end of her career Gayle was serving in three capacities at Okanagan College. She was an instructor in the ASE Department; she coordinated our Inclusive Education Program called the SAME Program (Supported Access to Modified Education); and she worked as the Literacy Volunteer Tutor Coordinator in the Adult, Academic and Career Preparation Program (AACP). While juggling these complex and very different roles she also represented ASE at Articulation and stepped up as a sub whenever she was needed. No matter how busy she was, Gayle always had time and kind words for students and colleagues. My strongest Impression of her, from those early days and extending through the years, is of a warm and genuine woman who found ways to connect with everyone. She looked for the best in her students and her colleagues and they responded with openness, affection and trust.
Gayle is known throughout the institution for her positive, creative and thoughtful work for ASE and AACP. For Adult Special Education, she has been the public face of Inclusive Education. With her rich and varied background Gayle was able to provide the safety net for ASE students with cognitive disabilities who were entering modified and supported Okanagan College programs. She negotiated with Deans, Department Chairs and Instructors to create the best possible inclusive program for our students. We were confident that she would not let our students fall through the cracks.
Gayle always looked for creative solutions to the myriad of problems that continually arise for our students as they navigate the college system. The role of the SAME Coordinator is to look for alternate routes and she was very accomplished at finding ways to make inclusion work for students, support workers, receiving departments, ASE, and Okanagan College.
At a recent retirement party, the Chair of the Electronic Engineering Department spoke of working with one of our students. With a catch in his voice he remembered this young man’s parents thanking him for the gift of opportunity given to their son. It was Gayle’s work that made this gift possible.
For me, Gayle became one of the strong personalities that held our department together. We are very spread out in ASE over the four OC campuses and it isn’t always easy to connect. I am extremely grateful that Gayle had an office just across the hall. When I needed to talk and problem solve I could count on her thoughtful consideration. She was practical and wise in her advice and feedback and her example of stepping up with courage has been an inspiration. She never let anxiety or insecurity limit her. If she felt anxious about meeting with a new dean she prepared meticulously, consciously brought herself to a place of calmness and carried on.
Gayle was always ready to pitch in and help – I could rely on her help to plan and organize orientation day, student potluck lunches or year-end celebrations. I never had to set-up and clean up for meetings alone. Gayle would come early with fruit and goodies and help me get ready. We often travelled together to meetings at the other centres and travel time was always rich in conversation. I felt kindly heard and supported by this colleague who became a friend. I will miss her very much. We wish her good health and happiness in retirement.