Lindsay Burrus hasn’t stopped learning since arriving at Waypoint for a 2008 student placement that turned into a career. The organization’s Tuition Support Fund, which was introduced in 2009, has been a key factor in aiding her scholastic journey.

“Waypoint’s been really helpful with the tuition piece,” said Burrus, Care Co-ordinator at the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub (NSYWH). “With my growth mindset, I’ve been able to explore all sorts of different areas. And I hope to continue to be able to contribute in meaningful ways to the staff around me and the people we serve.”

Waypoint is a committed learning organization that encourages employees to develop their professional skills and knowledge. Burrus said she considers herself lucky to work for an employer that will provide up to $2,000 for enrolment in job-related, learning programs offered by recognized educational institutions. Covered costs may include: classroom or online courses that are evaluated using a letter grade system or by formal recognition of completion; post-graduate degrees; and registration for exams affiliated with a recognized professional designation or regulatory body, provided it is linked to the applicant’s current position or established learning and development plan.

A mental health and addictions counsellor by training, Burrus has contributed to various programs at Waypoint, including Georgianwood (for patients with mental health and substance use issues), the Acute Assessment Program (short-term crisis intervention, risk assessment and rapid stabilization) and Sans Souci (for patients with severe and persistent mental illness). She has also worked with outpatients dealing with addiction issues, and in the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program as clinical access co-ordinator and CBT therapist.

In her current role, which she started in September, Burrus co-ordinates six staff, plus peer support workers and community partners. The NSYWH serves people aged 12-25 and their families looking for free mental health and substance use support. It also offers primary care, employment supports, peer support, housing support, Indigenous programming and 2SLGBTQIA+ services. This is available in-person at the Community Health Hub and virtually to youths across north Simcoe.

“I love what I’m doing,” said Burrus. “As much as I’m co-ordinating all the intricacies of keeping a program running smoothly, I still get my check-ins with staff, so there is that element of rapport and supporting people through professional challenges.”

As her duties have evolved, Burrus has always looked to expand her knowledge. She entered into Laurentian University’s psychology program, receiving a bachelor’s degree even as she rose to become the professional practice representative for Waypoint’s addiction counsellors, concurrent-disorders counsellors and psychotherapists.

In the fall of 2023, she returned to school with leadership development in mind. She is now completing the final semester of her masters of applied health sciences at Western University, while also seeking her Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Rob Desroches, Waypoint’s Vice-President, Clinical Services, and Chief Operating Officer, has acted as her field mentor for this latter part. They meet monthly for updates and feedback, which Burrus describes as typical of the “absolutely fantastic support” she has received.

“It’s the kind of employer that lets you flex your skills and learn something new,” she said.