This month, we sat down with Sandra Heusel, one of our educational consultants, to learn more about her role at Options.
Tell me a bit about your background.
I’m thrilled to bring my expertise in the area of educational consulting and neuro-education to the Options Solutions community! After receiving a BA in Psychology from UVic, along with my teaching degree from SFU and Special Education Diploma from UBC, I have been fortunate to spend the past 30 years guiding students and their families through academic, social, and emotional journeys. Enabling all students to truly see what future pathways are possible for them has been a passion of mine throughout my early work as a resource teacher with the Vancouver School Board, and over the past few decades as both an educational consultant at Eaton Learning Centre and one of the founding educators at Eaton Arrowsmith Academy. Besides my love of guiding families and students, I am interested in the power that the brain has to change and heal. Strength training, walks in the fresh air, baking, and finding new plant-based recipes to try are also high on my interest list. I love reading good books and discussing them with friends at my monthly book club. These days, I can also be found chauffeuring my teenage son to his daily swim practices, volunteering with his swim club, the Canadian Dolphins, or catching up over the phone with my daughter, who has recently started her university adventure.
What makes you most excited about working at Options?
I’m really excited about helping students and their families learn about previously unknown opportunities that would benefit them in the future. Being surrounded by the incredibly kind, supportive team here at Options, who are equally passionate about guiding students towards their post-secondary next steps, makes this position a perfect match for me, and brings me great joy!
What has surprised you in the first month or year?
I am grateful for how supportive and welcoming the team at Options has been. It is clear that they love what they do and want to ensure that any new staff member is well-trained and can find success, right from the start!
Who is your role model?
I don’t have one particular role model, but I’m always truly inspired by those who have become experts in their field, yet have remained humble and patient enough to support others so they can benefit from their expertise.
What do you spend too much time doing?
I’ll admit, I spend way too much time saving recipes I find online…even though the chances of one day making them all are quite slim!
If you could teach a university course, what would it be?
Neuroplasticity and Education: Strengthening the Connection
What is your favourite snack?
Anything involving tofu…I know, a bit unusual!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have synesthesia! In my mind, I ‘see’ every letter and number as a different, distinct, unchanging colour!
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I go out for a quick brisk walk. Fresh air always resets me!
Ready to meet an educational consultant? Contact us today to book in!
