At the age of 46, Teah was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (new window) and a few months later found out she had breast cancer (new window). After years of rehabilitation and chemotherapy (new window), Teah wanted to finally get her life going again and find employment; however she didn’t know what she could actually do.

Teah had very low confidence when it came to approaching employers because she had been out of the workforce for so long. She was also experiencing memory loss due to the chemotherapy (new window).

Teah was referred to the Neil Squire Society and in March of 2010, she enrolled in the Society’s Employ-Ability program in Fredericton, New Brunswick (new window).

Teah arrived in the Employ-Ability program eager to move forward. She assessed her career goals by doing various personality and occupational interest assessments. After she finished her career assessments, she went to work researching occupations. Teah did a lot of her research by networking with employers and employees. In the end, all of her outcomes lead her to the human services field, working with children with special needs.

Teah was glad that the Employ-Ability program also focused on other components of life and work. She especially enjoyed learning about teamwork, listening skills and developing memory techniques. Not only did she learn many valuable skills, but she found another family in the Neil Squire Society and with her Employ-Ability program peers.

At the end of the program, Teah had developed a solid action plan for employment with detailed steps as to how she would become self-sufficient again. Teah is presently working for a day care centre, working with a special needs child. She is also volunteering with an agency, assisting adults with intellectual disabilities. Her Career Opportunities Counselor with the provincial government is presently assisting her in seeking training support for this coming fall in the human services field.

Teah is busy these days, and she loves it!

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Teah, you may do so here.