If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Liz Faas at lfaas@clearwateracademy.com
Q&A ALLY HALLET with We recently reconnected with Ally Hallet, a 2014 graduate whose journey since graduating from Clear Water Academy exemplifies her commitment to compassion, excellence, and service to others. Ally has embarked on a fulfilling career as a pediatric occupational therapist, working with children and families across Calgary. Through her private practice, Ally dedicates her time and expertise to supporting children with developmental disabilities, helping them thrive in all aspects of life. Join us as Ally shares insights into her professional journey, memories from her time at Clear Water Academy, and the meaningful ways she integrates her faith and values into her life and work.
Q: Can you share your journey since graduating from Clear Water Academy 14 years A: After graduating high school in 2014, I went to Dalhousie University in Halifax and earned a BSc degree in Psychology. After I graduated in 2018, I moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta and got my master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Following the completion of that program in 2020, I came back home to Calgary and have been working as an Occupational Therapist ever since! I work in pediatrics, primarily supporting kids with developmental disabilities and their families. I run my own private practice, which takes me to homes, schools, and daycares all around the city. On the personal side, through school, I've made many incredible friendships with people all over the country, including my (now) husband! Q: How did Clear Water Academy help shape your career path and professional growth? A: Throughout my time at Clear Water Academy, important values were instilled within me that helped to shape much of my journey through adulthood so far. I learned the importance of setting and striving towards achieving goals, having a strong work ethic, persevering through challenges, and above all, always endeavouring to be kind and compassionate.
Q: What significant milestones have you achieved in your personal and professional life over the past 14 years? A: In 2014, I moved across the country with no friends or family to go to school (or go on adventure, depending on how you look at it). In 2018, I graduated with a First Class Honours BSc in Psychology from Dalhousie University. That same year, I was accepted into the MScOT program at the U of A in Edmonton. In 2020, I successfully defended my master's thesis, had it published in an international journal, and graduated from OT school. I got my first job as a professional in 2020. In 2023, I got married in Nova Scotia (after planning a whole wedding, which is a milestone in itself) and then in 2024, I started a private practice.
Q: What are some of the most challenging aspects of your career, and how have you addressed them? A: One of the most challenging aspects of my career is figuring out how to approach and adapt to each individual child and family, as everyone has such diverse needs and every family dynamic is different. While this can be a tremendous challenge, it's also one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of my job, especially when I can build a strong rapport with a family and see their child make amazing gains. I address these challenges by working closely
with other team members, such as psychologists, speech therapists, and
physiotherapists, to ensure we're working collaboratively towards a common goal. I use, what we call in my world, therapeutic use of self, which is the ability to use empathy, shift power dynamics, collaborate, and build strong relationships with families. And lastly, I ensure I take breaks after work to allow myself to recharge so I can be at my best to serve these kiddos. This usually looks like playing in my recreation badminton or pickleball league, going for walks, making dinner for friends, or playing board games at home. Q: Can you highlight a project or accomplishment in your career that you are particularly proud of? A: My biggest accomplishment so far in my career is starting my own business! When I started my first OT job, I never in a million years would have thought I would want to jump into the world of business. Fast forward four years, after being an independent contractor for a private practice company, I felt confident in my skills and abilities, reputation, and relationships I had built with other practitioners, so I dove in and started my own practice!
Q: What is does a typical day look like for you? A: I'm currently a pediatric occupational therapist. I primarily work with kids with developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and behavioural challenges. On a typical day, I spend the morning in a preschool or daycare, supporting little ones and their educational assistants to work on fine motor skills, play skills, and regulation in the classroom. Then, I usually spend my afternoon in meetings and prepping for intervention sessions. Once the school day ends, I usually have 3-4 treatment sessions throughout the evening in family homes, where I work with kiddos on daily living skills, picky eating, regulation, play, routines, and so many other activities that are important for kids and their families! Every day looks so different, so I'm always on my toes!
Q&A WITH ALLY HALLET
Q: Looking back, how did your education and experiences at Clear Water Academy influence your life choices?
A: My high school education influenced my decision to pursue further post-secondary education. The value placed on education is so important and that was instilled in me through my time at Clear Water Academy. I also had a strong drive to be the best I could be at whatever I pursued. My experiences at Clear Water also guided me to figure out what my priorities are- while it's important to me to have success in my career, life is much more encompassing than productivity. Spending time with loved ones, taking opportunities for experiences, and finding ways to grow in faith are so important for living life in such a way that is fulfilling and meaningful.
Q: Do you have any cherished memories or defining moments from your time at Clear Water Academy?
A: So many! One of the most defining moments for me was participating in a mission trip to Haiti when I was in Grade 11. Post-earthquake, the challenges and difficulties faced by the Haitian people were tremendous and the devastation that occurred throughout the country was unimaginable. Having the opportunity to meet the locals, share in their faith, and serve alongside the Missionaries of Charity as Mother Teresa modelled in her lifetime was truly a life-changing and humbling experience.
Q: Were there any specific teachers, mentors, or peers at Clear Water Academy who played a pivotal role in your development?
A: Spending 12 years at Clear Water Academy, I was influenced by so many amazing teachers and peers who all played a role in my development. If I had to choose one name in particular, Mrs. Volschenk would be the teacher who had a tremendous influence on decisions I made throughout high school that ultimately led to where I am now. Although I was absolutely terrified of her the first day I had a class with her, I soon realized that she had high standards for each and every student because she saw the potential that every individual in her classroom possessed. She is a fabulous teacher, a cheerleader, an advocate, and a positive role model with high moral character. She played a role in instilling work ethic values into me and always pushing me to do better and to be better, both academically and personally.
Q: How do you stay connected to the Clear Water Academy community after all these years?
A: I stay in touch with my group of friends that I have known since elementary school! It's always great to attend organized alumni events over Christmas to connect with friends who don't live in Calgary anymore and to see previous teachers!
Q&A WITH ALLY HALLET
Q: Have you participated in any alumni events or initiatives? If so, which ones have been most meaningful to you?
A: The Christmas alumni events are always a lovely time to reconnect with the CWA community! It’s always so special.
Q: What are your personal and professional goals for the next few years?
A: Professionally, I aim to keep building up my business and taking professional development opportunities as they arise. Personally, I would love to travel to parts of the world I've never experienced, buy a home, and eventually start a family.
Q: What advice would you offer to current students and recent graduates of Clear Water Academy?
A: My biggest pieces of advice would be: i. Set goals and work towards them. Goals change over time but help us realize our potential. ii. The plans you had for yourself in high school are probably going to change so many times! If you pursue post-secondary, don't be afraid to take classes out of your comfort zone or try something new that piques your interest. A lot of people don't take a straight trajectory towards their eventual career. iii. Keep in touch with your friends and peers that you went to school with for so many years! They all played roles in shaping the person you are today. And these people will keep you accountable for your faith and character. iv. Keep an open mind about learning. Outside of formal education, there are so many opportunities to gain wisdom and knowledge through life experiences, connecting with others, and introspection. And lastly, I thank God every day!
Q: How do you integrate your professional life with your personal life and faith?
A: I think the way I integrate my faith into my professional life is always remembering the sanctity of life and the dignity and respect that all humans deserve. Working with a vulnerable population of individuals who are often viewed as incapable or difficult, it's important to remember that these children need and deserve love, empathy, kindness, support, accommodation, connection, and relationships, just like everyone else.
Q: Is there a particular philosophy or principle that guides your decisions and actions?
A: Generally, I think my decisions and actions are all guided by attempting to maintain a high level of integrity. I aim to hold myself to a high standard in everything I do, be honest with those around me, be responsible and accountable, demonstrate respect, and know when I need to take a step back and reflect.
Q: Do you have any major milestones or significant events coming up in your life or career that you are looking forward to?
A: Nothing on the horizon as of right now! But I'm looking forward to seeing what the next few years holds!
Q: What hobbies or interests have you developed or continued over the years?
A: My husband and I enjoy staying active as much as we can, and we recently picked up pickleball as well as a weekly recreational doubles badminton league (which feels like a revival of my junior high badminton glory days). We also enjoy having board game night with friends and trying out new games!
Q: Can you share an interesting fact or story about yourself that might surprise the Clear Water Academy community? A: As part of my job, I often meet with school administration teams, advocating for more flexibility in classrooms, lower demands, and more accommodations for my clients. This also usually involves me trying to convince school teams to pick their battles, change up their routines, and eliminate arbitrary rules. For anyone who knew me as a student who very much appealed to authority and followed all of the rules, this part of my job feels like the total opposite. Q: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a new graduate of Clear Water Academy? A: I would tell myself to take a few more deep breaths, get more sleep, and always celebrate the things I have accomplished over the years because everyone deserves to be celebrated for doing hard things.
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