Everyday Heroes: Christine O’Brien, Emily Begg, Teri Smith, Tina McCarthy, and Christine Doherty

Every week we celebrate PVNC staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student or colleague as an Everyday Hero. Every school and every department in our Board has an Everyday Hero who expresses their kindness, courage and love through simple, ordinary actions that uplift the lives of the people around them and the students we serve. An Everyday Hero is a caring adult, an empathetic colleague, somebody who simply makes going to work each day worthwhile.

This week we are celebrating Christine O’Brien, Emily Begg, Teri Smith, Tina McCarthy, and Christine Doherty.

Christine is an ECE at St. Mary Campbellford CES. Christine was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Christine O’Brien truly has the patience of a Saint who treats the students at St. Mary like her own children. Christine shows the students love and kindness through her selfless actions each and every day. She facilitates unique and engaging activities that her students are sure to remember for a lifetime. Her excitement and pure joy to face each day with positivity is admirable. Christine’s nurturing nature as an educator of our youngest students shines bright through her actions. 

Not only does Christine show up in many ways for her own students, but she also supports the entire student body as our primary first aid staff member. Christine is often found tending to accidents and injuries through consoling students during vulnerable moments and providing them with the care that they need. Christine is indeed an Everyday Hero and an invaluable asset to the St. Mary and PVNC communities. Thank you Christine for everything you do!”

Emily is a SERT at St. Mary Campbellford CES. Emily was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Emily Begg is an invaluable member of our team supporting students in the school who benefit from her knowledge, empathy, and care. She is calm under pressure and always willing to offer a supportive ear or creative solution.

She has devoted her life to helping kids. She has been doing it since she could babysit. She deserves to be recognized for all that she does. It is always the kids who come first above all.”

Teri is the Controller of Finance at the CEC. Teri was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Teri is always willing to take the time to explain complicated matters in a way that someone like me is able to understand. I often ask her to look over data I have prepared and she happily does so, offering advice and suggestions for improvement. She often provides beneficial insights and context to issues that I might not have thought about. She is a tremendous value to the board.

Teri is also a valued voice around the Senior Administration table, with a broad system perspective, and knowledge of the history behind many procedures and practices that impact not only the Board’s finances, but she is always mindful of the impact on individuals and the day-to-day workings of staff in the CEC and in the schools ”

Tina McCarthy

Tina is a Teacher at St. Joseph Douro. Tina was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“10 years ago full day Kindergarten (FDK) came to St. Joseph’s Douro and that is when I first met Tina McCarthy. Tina was already infamous for teaching Kindergarteners. She loves teaching the little ones and everyone feels her love. I watched from the other Kindergarten class as Tina made a partnership and a friendship with the ECEs who she was working with. Tina along with her ECE partner had made FDK a place children wanted to be. Charles Pascal would be very happy. I finally became Tina’s partner and Covid hit. Once again Tina and I worked together as a team to make the best FDK programme for our children during this difficult time. Tina’s warmth  and respect is felt by children and adults alike. Tina is our light and she really does shine. Thanks Tina.”

Christine Doherty

Christine is an EA at Holy Cross CSS. Christine was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Christine is an Everyday Hero. She is an amazing Educational Assistant and Co-worker. Each and every student she assists feels included and cared for. She has a positive attitude and always wears a smile everyday at work. Her kindness, empathy and compassion towards her students is evident and proves she is a remarkable person who uplifts everyone around her. Christine truly makes coming to work worthwhile and enjoyable.”

We would like to thank Christine, Emily, Teri, Tina, and Christine for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.