Name:       Natalie Bursey

Age:          29 (for about 5 years now)

Location:  Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador

Biography
I grew up in a small community of about 4000 people. I came from a very loving family and led a very sheltered life. As a teenager, I got involved with any group or organization that allowed me to work or volunteer with children and youth. I always had a passion and energy for youth and was sure that someday I would change the world - especially when I became the next “Neon Rider”. This led me to spending my summers at a ranch styled summer camp where I had the opportunity to work with youth of varying ages and backgrounds. This was my first exposure to “youth in care” and to those wonderful people I now know as “child and youth care workers” and the coworkers I have the privilege of working with daily.

Natalie is second from left, receiving the Provincial Child and Youth Care
Award 2010 from the Child and Youth Care Association of NL.

After moving to the big city of St. John’s and completing my BA in 1998, I began working as a CYCW at an organization called St. Francis Foundation (currently Waypoints). I still remained heavily involved in youth and outreach work in the community and my local church. It was through that work that I met my husband. Since that time, I’ve married, become the mother of 2 very active boys and have another baby on the way. Considering I grew up with 2 brothers, have worked specifically with boys for the last 12 years and have 3 of my own at home, I’m looking forward to the possibility of a girl to share my secrets with!!

How I came to be in this field
I met two youth at camp who were living in residential programs at St. Francis Foundation. While most of the other kids talked about their families, these youth talked about their workers. So much so, that I felt as if I knew these workers by the end of the week. While I thought that it was such a sad place for these youth to be, I was also inspired that there were people out there who were able to still offer them a quality life with strong, healthy relationships. I was determined to find out more. And after completing my degree, 3 years later, I applied to be one of them. I was hooked from the start and still can’t imagine doing anything else.

A few thoughts about CYC
The more I learn about Child and Youth Care, the more I realize how much there is to know – about the profession and it’s practice, of course, but also about myself. It seems like every person I meet in this field, whether youth or worker, teaches me something new. And there is such a wealth of knowledge and experience out there to draw from. Every day is different and every day is a new opportunity to grow and to find a way to help others grow.

When I sit with my friends and hear them talk and complain about how frustrating their jobs are, I can’t help but talk (and brag) about how much I love mine. I guess because of this, they think that as child and youth care worker, I must have the easiest job imaginable. If only they knew how much thought and energy goes into making every day a memorable one.

Favourite CYC experience
I’m not sure how it’s possible to pick just one but I can name a couple that stand out to me

• The smile on a young person’s face when they’ve surprised themselves and accomplished something they didn’t think was possible.

•  One of my boys standing in the door way with his arms wide open because I haven’t been around the unit for a couple of days. It’s amazing and wonderfully awkward as you immediately consider what you’re boundaries are supposed to be and then decide that the hug is so much more important.

• Those moments when you're with a young person and you’re both laughing so hard you can’t breathe but neither of you has any idea why. Laughter truly is therapeutic!!

A few thoughts for those starting out
When I began in this field, I had spent time working with youth and building relationships but I had no idea that there was so much more to child and youth care. Being creative, consistent, intentional, strength based, self aware and proactive, all while considering what the young persons needs are, is not a simple thing to do. Don’t assume you need to master it right away. In actual fact, you probably never will but you will have more opportunities to help change lives than you ever thought imaginable.

Since my degree offered me no knowledge of CYC theory or practice, I was flying by the seat of my pants most days. I grabbed every opportunity for training, I read every article recommended by my supervisor, but more than anything, I watched and listened to the more experienced people around me. While not everyone will have the fantastic opportunity I had to work with what I believe to be some of the most skilled child and youth care workers in the field, you will get to work with people who have incredible knowledge and experience. Learn from them, bounce ideas off them, ask them questions about why they did something a particular way, look for and be open to feedback, pay attention to discussions that happen in the office or a staff meeting, and let yourself be inspired. Soon you’ll find your own style and will be inspiring others in the same way.

Influences on my work
My Dad — he taught me so many skills that I now use in my toolbox.
My faith – it’s such a huge part of who I am and it influences pretty much everything I do.
My family – they are sometimes my guinea pigs for trying out a new idea or theory. Poor things!
The staff from my first position at the Group Home (my mentors) – I’m sure I drove them nuts with my constant questions and insecurity. They were patient, always ready with feedback and helped me find practical ways to apply my new found knowledge.

The youth that I’ve worked with over the past 12 years. Each one never fails to amaze me. They’ve experienced so much pain and hurt, yet are more resilient than most adults I know. And while I think I’m helping them to see something new about themselves and the world around them, they always end up teaching me something in return.

All the other CYCW’s I’ve worked with and learned from over the years.