MEET THE TEAM
April Smoke
Education Manager
Aaniin Alderville First Nation families!
As a long-standing employee with Alderville it gives me a sense of great pride being from Alderville, living and working so closely with many of our families of young learners! You may have seen me in various roles and sometimes driving the bus lol I have spent the past 12 years working with our youth. With a community-based approach, your loved ones’ voices are included in all aspects of our mulit-faceted department. I maintain an open door policy and welcome and questions/comments and will continue to cheer on our youth. Miigwech
Jess Ross
Student Services Coordinator
Boozhoo, aanii kina gwaya! Jess indizhinikaaz.
My journey in supporting and advocating for youth began long before I stepped into this role. I have been working in the field of child and youth work since 2012, driven by a passion for education and social work after majoring in psychology at university.
I joined the AFN Student Services team as an Alderville Community Education Support (ACES) worker in the fall of 2018, and worked with our K-8 students at Roseneath Centennial Public School until February 2022. From February 2022 to September 2024 I was an ACES at Cobourg Collegiate Institute, supporting Alderville students at the high school level.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize how essential it is to build trust and form relationships with students, families, and the wider community. Many of the students I work with face challenges that go beyond the classroom, and it’s important to me that they know they are supported in every aspect of their lives. I strive to be a reliable resource for them, offering guidance and support while also advocating for the services and opportunities they deserve.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing here at Alderville First Nation, and I am inspired every day by the resilience and strength of the young people I serve. It is my hope that, through my role, I can continue to make a positive impact on our students’ lives, helping them realize their gifts and full potential while staying grounded in the rich culture and history of Alderville First Nation.
It’s an honour to be part of a community that values education, culture, and the well-being of its youth, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and service for many years to come.
Miigwech!
Ruth Anne Washburn
ACES Worker (K-8)
I love working with students of all ages, especially at RCPS (Roseneath Centennial Public School) . A language learner and cheerleader for all things culturally relevant to be included in schools, I attempt to embody the Seven Grandfather Teachings within every activity at the school and throughout the afterschool program. Affiliated with the AFN Afterschool program since 2016, I joined the education team full-time in 2019 as an ACES special education worker – I have my Masters in Education and have been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2007. I find one on one or small group tutoring to be the best recipe for finding sure footing in language, mathematics and perseverance. Always willing to go above and beyond for the students, I try to educate the whole student in a sensitive and kind way. Gitchi-Miigwetch for allowing me to work with your students.
Christina Foster
ACES Worker (K-8)
Greetings, Hello, Boozhoo, Aaniin!
My name is Christina, and I am thrilled to join the ACES worker team. I jumped on board with Student Services back in December 2023. I am based at Roseneath Centennial Public School (RCPS), where I engage with students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. You can often find me at the Alderville Student Services office or in classrooms, dedicated to supporting the students’ growth and well-being.
My journey into this role stems from a background in Social Service Work, earning a diploma from Fleming College. Previously, I spent two enriching years working with youth in care, guiding them in developing crucial life skills and navigating the path to adulthood. Following this, I worked in early years education as a childcare provider in Northumberland County for 5 years.
Now, as a member of the Student Services team, I am excited to extend my impact and support to children and families in new ways.
The vibrant community and spirited atmosphere at RCPS have only deepened my sense of privilege in serving and learning from the Alderville First Nations community.
I have always had an interest in psychology and sociology, being able to help advise students as they navigate peer to peer relationships is a joy and honour. Guiding them not only academically but also in social development brings me joy. I am eager to foster and empower their sense of self and help cultivate lasting friendships.
The dynamic environment of AFN Student Services keeps me on my toes, and I am eager to contribute to the bright minds and promising futures we nurture here.
Miigwech for welcoming me into this role and entrusting me with the growth and well-being of your children. I look forward to learning and growing alongside them.
GENERAL INFO
Now located at the former Alderville Solar Farm, Student Services has been in operation since 1997. The staff are dedicated to helping students achieve their very best in many aspects of life and education. We incorporate Indigenous language, values, and teachings in everyday activities, lessons, and moments.
Alderville First Nation Student Services offers:
Alderville Community & Education Support workers (ACES)
AFNSS resource room at Roseneath
First Nation Resource at CCI, Cobourg
Access to technology, books and other school-related resources
Secondary Study groups & hot lunches at the CCI
Afterschool Programs…
Nutritional snacks
Assistance with homework
Language & Cultural programming
Outdoor Recreation
School Readiness Programming (pre-K), Binoojiiyaag Kendaasowin (July – August)
Tutoring, Speech & Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy supports
Transitions and Pathways for elementary-to-secondary-to-post secondary, workforce, post secondary open house tours
Collaboration with TRACKS and other Indigenous Leadership and Advisory Initiatives
Student Services has a fantastic indoor education space with a kitchen, large dining room/work space, and library. The outdoor space consists of large trees and a field for students to play sports and run around. There is as well as a fire pit for cultural teachings and activities.
Alderville Community Education Support (ACES) staff are on site to facilitate a welcoming and safe learning environment. The ACES workers provide assistance with day to day school work, homework, and assignments. During COVID 19 ACES staff are committed to proper safety measures and sanitization.
Exam Blitz
Exam Blitz happens the Monday- Thursday prior to the Secondary School Exams. A Cobourg Collegiate Institute teacher is present for every day of Exam Blitz. Students have the opportunity to get clarification on anything that they may not quite understand before exams. The ACES worker(s) also offer aid to students who are doing final culminating assignments. EXAM BLITZ WILL NOT BE HAPPENING DURING COVID 19.Recent COVID-19 announcements have restricted this program. Please contact the Student Services Coordinator with any questions.
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