Innisfail Family Community Support Services has a new coordinator.
ìWe are pleased to announce the hiring of Sharron Matthewman as coordinator for the Innisfail FCSS,î said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, FCSS manager. ìHer role will be coordinating services that the FCSS offers and working with individuals looking for assistance.î
Matthewman, who officially started her new post Jan. 2, comes to Innisfail ready to contribute to an already successful program with over 20 years experience in the social work field on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
ìMy work background is very diverse,î said Matthewman. ìI have experience working in health services, social work, youth work, mental health services, teen pregnancy clinics and school liaison programs, county and judicial system advisement roles in England.î
She was educated in the United Kingdom, earning her welfare officer diploma from Stoke-on-Trent. Since her arrival in Canada with her husband Alan and son Finn five years ago, she has continued her education with a variety of social work courses.
ìI arrived in Innisfail earlier this month, and so far everyone has been welcoming and very supportive,î added Matthewman. ìI love Innisfail, and my husband and I are looking at moving closer to town. We presently live in Airdrie, and our house is up for sale.î
Matthewman and her family moved to Canada on the provincial nominee program which advertises open positions internationally. Her husband found employment in Calgary. Their daughter Jade, 24, remains in the United Kingdom.
ìI look forward to bringing my experience and passion to Innisfail,î she said. ìWhile in Canada I left the social work field for a short time and discovered that I enjoyed working with people. As a social worker I want to focus on giving tools to families and individuals so they can make changes to their lives so they are safer, and stronger.
ìIf I can help one person improve their life, then I have done my job,î Matthewman added.
She can be contacted at the FCSS office at 403-227-7744 if citizens have any questions about programs or wish to book an appointment.
