Professionals Making A Difference
Speech/Language Pathologist, Prince George School District
It will come as no surprise to anyone who has worked with this month’s featured member, Robyn Thrift, that, she describes herself as “911 TIPS” – from speech pathology to how to best stew rhubarb.
Robyn came to Canada in the 1970s from Australia. She and her husband Peter were seeking a new adventure, and the job hunt brought them to Prince George. Little did they know, they’d soon fall in love with their lives in B.C.
Robyn is an outdoor enthusiast. Her love for hiking, cross country skiing, and tennis made her find the outdoor lifestyle in Prince George irresistible. However, Robyn tells us that the interesting work environment of the Prince George School District was a huge factor in her decision to grow a career of 28 years with the same employer.
As a speech/language pathologist, Robyn is involved with the assessment of and intervention for students with communication difficulties in the Prince George School District. She works in a special services team and appreciates the skills of the district’s psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and fellow speech pathologists who assist students to reach their best potential. Consulting with school teachers and providing in-service programming and support to teacher assistants who work with these students under speech pathology direction is a significant part of her job.
Robyn’s union history is unique from many other PEA members – she left PGSD in 1976 to raise her family, before the PEA had organized a bargaining unit in the school district. When she returned in 1985, she noticed a significant change in the office culture from the PEA’s presence.
“It was easier to change processes when folks were willing to join together under the PEA umbrella, and address issues with administration in a constructive way,” Robyn tells The Professional. “Prior to the PEA, I remember there was a simple task we wanted to change in regards to date stamping all incoming mail, but it was extremely difficult because there was no formal process to deal with concerns. Despite the challenges of a small union group, the school district is used to dealing with unions, and communication with the employer has defined processes which can be accessed positively.”
Robyn has been an advocate for the PEA over the last 23 years. Valuing the united front a union organization provides, Robyn has involved herself in the Association by volunteering for various Executive and Chapter committees and initiatives. Outside of work, Robyn is an active volunteer in her Church. She and Peter teach marriage enrichment courses, and they are both campaigners for the importance of strong family bonds in times when families are under increasing pressure.
Robyn will retire this summer, and she is planning to move to a more southern location in the province so she can be closer to her children and grandchild. During retirement, she plans to travel, garden, and keep in touch with her professional calling. Robyn aims to be a life-long learner.
