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Dr. Christine Churchill

Dr. Christine Churchill
Educational Consultant

Dr. Christine Churchill is an educational consultant with Clinic Psychology Manitoba. Having served as both a teacher and administrator in various independent schools in Canada and the United States in the past three decades, Christine brings her diverse educational experience to the role of consultant in her work with students and their families.

Throughout her career, Christine has sought educational environments which introduced her to a multiplicity of educational philosophies or learning approaches, and broadened her understanding of human development, both individually and collectively. She began her career at Hillfield Strathallen College in Hamilton, Ontario, before moving to the USA where she worked at Metropolitan Monterssori School in NYC, Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, MD, and The Bush School in Seattle, WA. Most recently she served as Middle School Principal and then Director of Student Care at St. John’s Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg. Although Christine has worked primarily with middle and high school aged students in the classroom, her administrative experience, including the supervision of student services, has covered the curricular outcomes and pedagogical approaches of all grades K to 12.

Interactions with students, and opportunities to allow them to discover and to develop their own sense of self, abilities and world view have always been Christine’s primary motivators. She has especially been drawn to the students who experience educational challenges or who learn “differently”, who highlight the intentionality and flexibility required to support all learners. As a means to supporting students, Christine has also worked closely with teachers, educational specialists and parents to identify and establish principles and practices that adults can employ to establish and to advocate for ongoing learning and growth within the school classroom and home environments.

The Consultancy Process

Between the completion of a formal educational assessment by a psychologist and the implementation of learning plan by educators exists an important stage of learning for families, parents, and students that may require or include:

  • The “translation” of the assessment details (especially recommendations and strategies) into understandable and actionable educational language
  • Assistance in identifying questions that need to be asked of both the psychologist and school to develop/translate the assessment into action.
  • An understanding of the priorities and practices of the educational system in which advocacy, adjustments, problem solving and individualization will be required.

Specific Consultancy Roles: details stated previously described in an alternative format

  • To assist and advise families/parents 
    • In the translation or understanding of the diagnosis, condition, report and implementation of an educational learning plan
    • In communication with educators
      • To ensure that appropriate adaptations and supports are put in place, implemented, used on a regular basis AND included within the classroom experience
      • To ensure a positive learning environment is created to support the child, especially in developing relationships with teachers and classmates,
    • In developing a long term perspective and plan moving from elementary school through middle school to high school and beyond.
      • To note, each age and stage of the student’s experience presents new challenges, as well as new opportunities and approaches to consider
      • To prepare for ongoing assessments and adjustments to learning plans, as the needs, capabilities and interests of the student change and emerge.

To assist students of middle/high school/university years

  • In reviewing or introducing concepts of literacy/numeracy/study skills and self advocacy
  • In suggesting support programs/technologies/individuals to be approached at school
  • In developing self awareness and self advocacy skills, especially an understanding of their learning disabilities, needs and potential