Holly Gunn
Masters of Public Health Candidate, Queen's University
Canadian children recently scored a D+ on physical activity levels. I hope to utilize my training in public health and healthy communities in combination with my interest in health education and promotion to improve physical activity and healthy habits amongst youth and children in Canada.
Program Evaluation
Communication
Below are three examples of tools created, two infographics and one briefing note, to communicate public health information to different audiences with varying levels of education.
Infographic
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Community Engagement
Community Volunteer in Sports & Physical Education Development
Cape Town, SA
In September 2017, I volunteered in Western Cape, South Africa with the organization African Impact in their sports and physical development program, with the aim of implementing a long-lasting physical education in schools across the various townships. With physical education only recently being added to the school curriculum, teachers, schools, and communities lack the resources and tools to provide health and fitness programs for the students. Working alongside local organizations training physical education teachers and coaches, I worked within a team of three other peers, one local community member, and one local coach to develop, implement, and aid in the evaluation process of a physical education program that was best suited for the kids at each school. Through the program that was being developed, during each quarter of the school year evaluations were done to track the progress of the program. As part of my volunteer time included the evaluations, I was given the task of collecting data and comparing the results to past evaluations to see areas that still need improvement and areas that are succeeding. From this experience, I was able to further develop core competencies in the areas of policy and program planning, implementation and evaluation, partnerships and collaboration, communication, and leadership. As well, the main takeaway I noticed was how essential community engagement is through all steps of planning, implementing, and evaluating a program. Having a direct involvement with the community ensure one is working with, and not on a community, which is essential in Public Health.
Advocacy
HEIA
In my Foundations of Global Health course, we were required to complete a health equity impact assessment for an upcoming policy or program change in the province of Ontario. Focusing on the Ottawa Public Health Unit, I chose to evaluate the unintended positive and negative impacts of a potential upcoming legal change giving priority of long-term care facilities to veterans. In order to accurately assess unintended consequences, I first used evidence and research to identify three population groups that would be affected by this policy change (seniors, disabled individuals, and rural communities) and how their different social determinants of health would alter how they were affected by this change. Through this assignment, I gained experience in both searching for and applying evidence and research as well as applying it in order to inform health policies and programs and recommend specific actions. From this assignment, I have taken away skills that have grown my competencies in the areas of public health sciences and assessment and analysis. I have learned applicable skills and tools that I can apply to the workforce and use in practice.
HIA
In my Healthy Community Planning course, we were tasked with completing the scoping and screening of a Health Impact Assessment on the topic of our choice. I chose to examine the current Victoria Park Redevelopment Plan for Calgary, Alberta. Through this assignment, I gained experience and further awareness about the influence of the built environment on the determinants of health and potential stakeholders involved in a planning decision that can affect the health of a community. As well, gathering the background information on the topic increased my skill set in assessing and analyzing a public health problem.
Relevant Education & Experience
Graduating December 2019 - Queen's University
Masters of Public Health
Relevant Courses: Essentials of Biostatistics, Introduction to Epidemiology, Foundations in Public Health, Public Health System in Canada, Applied Research Methods for Program Planning and Evaluation, Healthy Community Planning
Graduate June 2017 - Queen's University
Bachelors of Science, Honours
Major in Life Sciences, on Dean’s Honour List for years 3 and 4.
Relevant Courses: Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Statistics, basic Human Nutrition, Principles of psychology, Intro Study to Alcohol and Drug Problems, Principles of Epidemiology, Intro to Sexual and Gender Diversity, Psychology – Brain and Behaviour, Physical Fitness and Wellness, Social Psychology
September 2017 - Cape Town, SA
Sports & Physical Development (Volunteer)
Collaborated with local businesses and coaches to create and implement a physical education and health & nutrition program designed to develop lifelong skills amongst the children in local townships in Cape Town, South Africa. Evaluated the program with local community members and feedback from the children to ensure it was reflective of the community interests.
October 2017 - Moshi, Tanzania
Education & Community Support (Volunteer)
Worked with a local school and nursery to help teach English to vulnerable youth in the rural community of Mdwai, Tanzania. Was also involved in giving members of the Maasai tribe and underprivileged community members free lessons teaching them how to read, write, and gain employable skills in English.
September 2013-April 2017 - Kingston, ON
Community Outreach (Volunteer)
Working one on one as well as collaborating with peers within the program and parents, helped to tutor children of the ages 6-9 to further their reading skills and encourage interest in literacy in both English and French. For my final year in the program, I was promoted to a leadership position responsible for managing a group of 8 peers for weekly sessions within the local community.
April 2016-August 2018 - Calgary, AB
Server & Supervisor (Occupation)
Demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills working as a team to ensure organizational goals were met and responsibilities were fulfilled. Through a promotion, leadership skills were recognized and rewarded. Skills in team building, conflict management, and group facilitation were essential to manage self, others, information and resources within the establishment.
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