Kristine Allison

Background

About Kristine Allison

I am a passionate educator, community builder, researcher, consultant and experienced professional in the field of Community Development and Social Policy. I firmly believe that we can always strive for better. As a change facilitator, I have played a key role in developing and coordinating numerous collaborative community-based initiatives. I possess a deep understanding of local and global economic, political, and social issues. I hold a Masters degree in Social Work and an Honours BA in Rural and Development Sociology. I have had the privilege of holding several positions throughout my career which has spanned working at the grassroots level to different levels of government and research institutions. I value working with organizations, communities, and vulnerable populations to gather meaningful insights that help reframe complex challenges and find practical ways to bring about positive change. I establish and maintain strong, collaborative, trust-based relationships with community leaders, groups and organizations to continue to build opportunities to engage and build partnerships. Working closely together with multiple sectors to measure, monitor, and develop strategies to address community issues and build a sense of community that promotes social justice for all. My community capacity-building experience is based on providing relevant, practical, and affordable solutions. I have a "roll up the sleeves and get it done" attitude and I understand the "ebb and flow" of community planning. I have received recognition for my mentoring work with student interns, including the Master of Social Work Field Education Award in 2015 from Renison College at the University of Waterloo. I am always open to opportunities to connect, network, and share with people who share my passion for creating a better world. Outside of work, I am an avid canoeist and backcountry camper. I love being immersed in the natural world because it inspires me and feeds my natural curiosity. My partner and I built a cedar strip canoe, which we lofted off an old Peterborough Otonabee relic with the help of our Uncle Vern. I believe we have so much to learn from the world we live in, the people we meet, and our elders. We can build relationships with them and learn from their wealth of knowledge.