Mellhina Thibault
Mellhina Thibault is “one of those “magic” co-workers who make coming to work such a joy. You know the type of person I mean. Mellhina is the type of person who always says, “I’ll do it.” and then actually does it. When a colleague is a) low, b) sad or blue, c) rushed, overworked and swamped, Mellhina is always there to help and care. She is so much more than a co-worker, she is a great friend. Many of us have experienced this as we have worked with Mellhina in various ways.
Mellhina does not know the meaning of “can’t do it”, either for herself or for her students. She sees the gold at the heart of every student and somehow manages to nurture, polish and make it shine so others see it too. Her record for getting students hired is awesome, her ability to help students see their own strengths and achieve their goals makes her both teacher and service provider extraordinaire.
After working with people with disabilities in the Prince George community Mellhina came to work at the College of New Caledonia in January 1987, teaching work related skills to a class of students whose physical and cognitive barriers were very significant. On an administrative visit to her classroom I came away in awe of her teaching skill as she explained her very specific individual goals for each student within the context of the class as a whole.
Mellhina moved into JET at CNC, teaching students who were preparing for competitive employment…here again she motivated, inspired and challenged her students to achieve their best… And what success she had. Her students got jobs, always felt good about themselves and always left knowing they had a friend and advocate who they could call at any time.
That Mellhina loved teaching, was always evident in her interactions with students, but after many successful years in front of the class, she was ready for a change…from the classroom to service provision. Mellhina moved into the Disability Services office at CNC. Students in regular college programs were now exposed to the “Dragusica” work ethic…”you can do it, you are not alone, here’s some tips, try this”. Instructors who have Mellhina’s students in their classes always feel supported and as she guides and supports the student/instructor team … comments like , ”what do you mean I will have a student with a disability in my accounting class” change to “I have a great student in my accounting class, let me tell you about her/him”.
Mellhina has also worked hard on behalf of her provincial colleagues as Chair of Articulation and as a member at large on the DRN executive and again this year as DRN Chair. Despite a work load that never seems to go away she has ensured that the DRN has remained relevant, informed and focused on clearly established goals.
Melhina has also worked tirelessly to help fellow colleagues through the College of New Caledonia’s faculty rehabilitation committee. In her usual style Melllhina has gone above and beyond to assist and support co-workers who were ill or disabled.
Mellhina has shared her resources, her ideas, her energy and enthusiasm and most of all with delightful humour with all who have crossed her path.
Mellhina has been a wonderful mentor and friend to many. We know that she would enjoy a celebratory drink with you so make sure you buy her one. We also know that she loves to drive fast so if you see a low flying car go by you on one of our provincial highways , wave because Mellhina has just blown through.
Fran Miller