What Our Staff Has to Say

Here are some thoughts our staff has about working at the FVCDC.

The Friendly Place !

After only six weeks working at the FVCDC as an Aboriginal Infant Development Consultant, I feel as if I have been here for years. It’s an understatement to say that I am pleased with the work environment. I don’t know what I like best — the friendly workplace, the location, the opportunities for learning, or the families I have already had the pleasure to meet and work with.

My co-workers welcomed me warmly and made me feel accepted right away. They’re busy people, but they don’t make me feel uncomfortable when I ask the inevitable newbie questions or seek advice.

Almost immediately after taking on this position, I attended the first provincial Aboriginal Infant Development Conference, which was held in beautiful Chase, British Columbia. It was a great experience with enlightening topics of discussion, humour, great food, walks along the Shushwap Lake, and even a rock concert! I took away a deep appreciation for a culture that cherishes each and every child and shows gratitude to the Creator for every gift — even AIDP Consultants!

I work in the Chilliwack office, which is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains. My commute from Aldergrove east to Chilliwack on Highway One each morning feels more like a Sunday drive to the mountains compared to the road-raged rat race that I am used to in the city.

Even though I worked with the Infant Development Program (IDP) before I came to the FVCDC, I still find the work unpredictable, challenging, and meaningful — personally and professionally. I regularly meet families with individual personalities and cultures. The family-centred philosophy of IDP is only more relevant in the AIDP where relationship and trust building is a crucial part of my work. I foresee an enjoyable future with the FVCDC.

If you want to talk about what it’s like to work here, contact me at (604) 824-8760 ext 224 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amanda Weenk
Aboriginal Infant Development Consultant

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Best Candy in Town!

Where else can you get a supervisor who sings along to the radio on your way to home visits? Or where everyone's desk has a jar of pens — and one of candy — and you're allowed to take the candy whenever you want? Or where you get to play with toys all day, and still call it work? Where else can your office be a playground, or a tea party, or an art gallery (so long as Popsicle sticks count as art)?

Hi. I’m Camille Traverse and I recently completed an eight-week practicum working with a speech and language pathologist and as part of a multi-disciplinary team at the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre.

On my first day at the FVCDC I was overwhelmed by how competent everyone was — and how incompetent I felt in comparison. But my supervisor was there to guide me, and I learned immeasurable amounts in the eight weeks I worked here. I made friends, gained some incredible experience, and learned that there really are about sixteen different ways to play with a bouncy ball.

Without the incredible support, knowledge, and guidance of the incredible staff at the FVCDC, I would never be the clinician I am today. Ok, fine — I'm still a student. But ONE day, I'll be a clinician, and I am convinced that the experiences I have had here will make a big difference in my ability to assess and treat children with communication delays. I would recommend the FVCDC for any student looking to do a placement. Even if they didn't have the best supply of candy in town.

Camille Traverse
Practicum Student