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Faculty Member, DC alumna comes full circle at Justice Games

The annual Justice Games at Durham College (DC) are a celebration of resilience, community, and personal transformation. This year’s event was a special one for Mackenzie Naccarato, a DC alumna who now teaches Communications in the Faculty of Social and Community Services (SCS).

The Games bring together students from Police Foundations, Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training, Paramedic and other SCS programs. This year’s theme, “Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers,” reflected not only the physical challenges of the day but also the social and personal hurdles many students have overcome to pursue careers in public service.

As a former Protection, Security and Investigation student, Naccarato once competed in the Justice Games herself—an experience that helped her build confidence, professional networks, and even land a role with the Canada Border Services Agency after graduation. Now, as a Faculty Member, she finds herself guiding the next generation through those same career-shaping experiences.

“Reflecting on my own journey, it has truly come full circle,” Naccarato shared. “Being part of this event alongside those who inspired me reaffirms my passion for education at Durham College. It’s my dream job!”

By taking part in the event, current DC students demonstrated not only their physical prowess but also their leadership, teamwork, and connection to the broader community. Naccarato was particularly proud of her Police Foundations students for embodying the commitment and professionalism expected of future first responders.

“I am continually inspired by the dedication these students embody as they prepare to become police officers and community service professionals,” she said.

Community partners were present at the event, from police and EMS to fire services and security, giving students the chance to meet potential employers and build lasting connections.

For Naccarato, the day was full of meaningful personal moments, from working with mentor and head of the Justice Games committee Jason Vassell to sharing it with her husband, a fellow DC alum and Ontario Provincial Police officer.

“Durham College gave us both the foundation for rewarding careers in public service,” she reflected. “It’s incredible to now stand here, together, as mentors to today’s students.”

The Justice Games are a cornerstone of DC’s mission to blend education with real-world readiness. As Naccarato’s story shows, events like these aren’t just about competition—they’re about transformation, connection, and community. Through mentorship and opportunity, they’re helping shape the leaders of tomorrow—just as they once did for her.

Durham College grad returns to school to deepen her skills and widen her career pathway

Sarah Smale was already a Durham College (DC) alumna, graduating from the Paralegal program in 2008, when she decided to return to school at age 42 for a graduate certificate in Victim Justice and Interventions.

Working in criminal law since earning her first diploma she’d gained a lot of experience as a paralegal and even as a law clerk. But after struggling to find a new job in her field recently, Smale decided to add to her skill set with the two-semester program that focuses on helping to support victims of crime.

With courses that include Victim Assistance Strategies, Victimology: Theory and Practice, and others that focus on specific groups including women, children, men and Indigenous Peoples, the program is tailored to one of the aspects of her career that Smale already found the most interesting: helping people.

“I’d love to find a position that brings everything that I have together. For example working at a shelter, as a court liaison, helping people through criminal and family law processes,” says Smale.

The second time around, Smale says her learning experience is both similar and different. Paper syllabus copies have largely been replaced with online versions, and a campus that used to be surrounded by farmer’s fields is a lot more developed. OSAP funding is still available, something that not everyone knows is also an option for mature students. She’s also surrounded by younger classmates, which Smale says some days makes her feel older than she is, but other days is inspiring.

“One of my classmates announced last week that she was celebrating her last day as a teenager. But it’s great that there’s an energy, the same that I had in my 20s too,” she says, joking that she feeds off their enthusiasm.

Smale says being in class again is also pushing her to absorb new information daily that she knows will help her future career. “It feels like I’m retraining my own brain — no matter how much you read, it’s not the same experience as you get actually going to school.”

While she says being a mature student “feels like a step forward and a step back at the same time,” she has no regrets and encourages others to take the plunge.

“Go for it, I’d say. It’s difficult to do, and there are still some days where I’m thinking ‘what have I done with my life that I’m back in school,’ but it’s also a great experience.”

Did you know more than 60% of Durham College students are mature students? Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking a career change, or enhancing your skills, we’re here to guide you toward your educational goals. Learn more about how we support your unique needs.

Single mom finds multiple career pathways through Durham College

Tori Dimytruk is in career exploration mode. Last year she completed her Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training certificate in aid of her long-term goal of becoming a firefighter, and is now halfway through the Trades Fundamentals certificate that she started in September, exploring other options that will sustain her through the long journey towards the fire service. So far, she’s discovered electrician and plumbing work are not as intimidating as she thought, although she’s still most looking forward to next term when she will try out her biggest interest, carpentry, as another future goal may be to flip houses.

All of this while working two part-time jobs and raising her three-year-old son. This is the life of a mature student and single mom making things happen. “A friend of mine was over the other day and said, I’m ‘looking at your calendar on your fridge—two part time jobs, going to school, raising your son—how are you doing all this?’” says Dimytruk.

At 22, Dimytruk’s ambition to join the fire department brought her to her first certificate at DC, but it was a friend she met there who inspired her to move into her trades exploration. Fire programs technician and alumna Heather Reid was helping to outfit the new recruits with their firefighting gear when the pair started a conversation. As they bonded over single parenthood, Dimytruk began asking for advice on the program, and Reid suggested she might also check out Trade Fundamentals as a way to explore further along a pathway that might be compatible with her life as a single parent.

Now Dimytruk is following in Reid’s footsteps, and even considering taking a Carpentry certificate if she can access some funding to keep going (Reid chose the Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices route following her trades exploration). She kept in touch with Reid, and credits her with helping navigate the services available to her as a mature student.

“We have a very aligned life path,” says Dimytruk. “At that moment you meet the right person at the right place, we became friends.”

Dimytruk says that while life is different as a mature student, it’s not in a bad way. She finds she’s able to develop more meaningful relationships with her professors and notices a difference in her confidence level.

“It’s my confidence and self-esteem—out of high school I was so shy, I was a completely different person. A lot has changed in five years,” she says. Now that she knows what she wants and where she’s going, any sacrifices are worth it, and especially with her son at the centre. “I do think it’s something about short term pain, long term gain,” she says in terms of what drives her.

Her advice for others considering a return to school is to put mind over matter and just go for it. “My biggest thing is to remember why you’re doing it and set the fears aside. It was a lot different at 17, although I’m only a few years older, it’s a different stage of life. Especially with Durham there’s so much support to just do it and get it done.”

Did you know more than 60% of Durham College students are mature students? Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking a career change, or enhancing your skills, we’re here to guide you toward your educational goals. Learn more about how we support your unique needs.

 

DC alumni create Military Veterans Wellness Program to support veterans in crisis

Durham College (DC) alumni and Toronto police officers Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale have created a pioneering initiative designed to support Canadian military veterans in their transition to civilian life and the program is now being adapted for veterans around the world.

They are the co-founders of the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP) which is addressing a critical need for support for veterans, particularly those facing mental health challenges, homelessness, and the risk of suicide.

Both Burns and Dale are veterans themselves and drew on personal experience to create the program after recognizing that no formal mechanism or training existed to help veterans.

“I struggled after leaving the military and I was assisted with help from my friends and colleagues, building this program allowed for police across Canada to now help people,” said Dale.

Dale completed the Police Foundations program at Durham College in 2005 while in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force. In 2012, Dale joined the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), becoming a Special Forces Operator.

Burns, who graduated from DC’s Law and Security Administration program in 2004 and Penology and Youth program in 2005, joined the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force in 2007. He was stationed at CFB Edmonton with the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, deploying to Afghanistan in 2009.  His experiences in combat, including multiple engagements with enemy forces and surviving several improvised explosive device (IED) strikes, profoundly impacted him and upon returning home, he struggled with mental health challenges.

Although they both attended DC, the pair didn’t meet until they both joined the Toronto Police Service where they discovered a shared interest in developing a program to support other veterans.

They began working on the MVWP in 2019 on their own time and at their own expense spending two years developing the program by speaking to police leaders, health care professionals, veterans, social services and stakeholders. They presented it to the Toronto Police Chief in 2020.

It is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers and all officers are expected to complete it by November 2024. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has launched the MVWP nationally and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is implementing it across all of their police stations in the province. It is also available as a free course through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network with more than 12,000 people having completed the training. Over 80 agencies are in the process of implementing it into their service. The program has been recognized by and endorsed by organizations and leaders in the law enforcement and the military community including Veterans Affairs Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion.

Its impact has grown beyond Canada and it is now being recognized for its value globally. The Australian Federal Police invited the MVWP team to Washington to present the program and there is additional interest from UK and American organizations.

“People are joining our cause and championing our program because they believe in it,” said Dale.

The two officers will be deploying to Ukraine in January as part of an international peace and policing operations program and they see an opportunity to support more people through the program.

“Overseas we will represent Canada and build the Military Veterans Wellness Program for the police and people of Ukraine who are now all war veterans,” said Dale.

Burns and Dale have been recognized by DC as nominees for this year’s Premier’s Awards, which recognize outstanding college graduates. The winners of the 2024 Premier’s Awards will be announced on November 25.

“The GASC program showed me potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed”: How Peyton DeGuilio found her drive through Durham College’s General Arts & Science program

Graduate spotlight: Peyton DeGuilio

When Peyton DeGuilio applied to Durham College’s (DC) General Arts & Science – General Certificate(GASC) program, it wasn’t part of a pre-determined plan. In fact, it was a last-minute decision prompted by a friend’s recommendation. With no clear career direction and a history of academic struggles, Peyton took a leap of faith. Little did she know that this spontaneous choice would lead her to a whole new world of possibilities.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, so the GASC program was perfect for me,” says Peyton. “I was nervous going into the program as it was my first time attending college, not to mention I never even finished high school. Thankfully though, it was even better than I expected!”

The GASC program became a turning point for Peyton, offering her the chance to explore different subjects while also gaining essential academic skills. Surrounded by a supportive community, she began to thrive. “I met some amazing professors and faculty who helped me every step of the way and I made lifelong friends.” She also credits her success to many of DC’s resources and on-campus supports, like the Student Academic Learning Services and the Access and Support Centre, which helped her stay on track.

What Peyton didn’t anticipate was how much her program would help uncover her interests as it began to pave the way for her future. “The GASC program showed me potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed, which allowed me to make the jump towards another program,” she says.

For Peyton, it wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was about realizing that she had what it took to succeed in an academic environment. “I was able to prove to myself and everyone who doubted me that not only was I able to participate in school, but thrive in it,” she said. This newfound confidence led her to pursue the next step in her journey: enrolling in DC’s Child & Youth Care (CYC) Advanced Diploma program. “I didn’t even know the CYC programeven existed before I got to DC, so by going through the GASC program I was exposed to a future career that was basically made for me.”

Looking back, Peyton is grateful for her decision to apply. “I spent so long being too scared to make the wrong decision that it prevented me from making any decision at all. I was nervous about going back to school, but the faculty at DC genuinely changed my entire perspective on education.”

As she works toward completing the CYC program, Peyton is passionate about her future goals. “I want to help children in the school system, especially those who struggle like I did. I’d love to be part of rethinking the way we support students and to create positive change for those who need it most, just like how the faculty at DC helped me.”

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories and how DC has helped them thrive.

From classroom to career: Brittany Andrey’s journey through the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at Durham College

Graduate spotlight: Brittany Andrey

Brittany Andrey was ready for the excitement and challenges of the world of academics after a break. Despite initial nerves, Brittany quickly found her footing in Durham College’s (DC) Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ATBS) graduate certificate program and discovered a passion that would propel her toward a rewarding career in the field.

“I hadn’t been in school for a couple years before starting the program, so I was a little nervous in the beginning,” she shares. “But those nerves quickly faded as I began learning and becoming more passionate about the field.”

Brittany credits her instructors for easing her transition back into student life and helping her build meaningful relationships along the way. “I learned so much from my wonderful instructors and made some really great friends.”

Since completing her credential, Brittany is thriving in her new role as an Educational Assistant and Academic Strategist, supporting students at DC — a role that has given her an opportunity to put her skills into action. When reflecting on how DC prepared her for this career, Brittany points to the invaluable guidance she received from her instructors and the hands-on experience she gained during her field placements.

“Being taught by professionals in the field helped prepare me a lot. They were always willing to answer questions, give advice, and share their experiences. This was also my first time completing field placements, and getting the chance to practice the skills we learned in a real-world setting was key to preparing me for the workforce.”

Brittany’s enthusiasm for learning doesn’t stop with her recent accomplishments. With a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology already under her belt, she’s looking ahead to exploring the fascinating overlap between the fields of forensic psychology and behavioural sciences.

For those considering the ATBS program, Brittany offers encouraging advice: “It’s okay if you don’t know much about autism or don’t have experience with neurodivergent folks. This program prepares you and provides you with the necessary skills to work in the field.”

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories and how DC has helped them thrive.