Experiential Learning Showcase: Shannon Boissonneault

For Shannon Boissonneault (She/Her), a second-semester Social Service Worker student at Canadore College, experiential learning has been key to understanding the social service field and building practical skills. From lab simulations to community-based projects, Shannon has been actively applying her learning in real-world contexts.

Shannon has engaged in lab-based learning that replicates a therapy office, giving her the chance to practice professional interactions in a safe setting. She has also worked with a cutting-edge AI tool created by her professor, participating in one-on-one interviews with simulated clients facing varying crisis situations. “Practicing with simulated clients and classmates has strengthened my active listening and empathy,” Shannon says.

Placement-like activities extend beyond the classroom. She has conducted interviews with peers, attended Interprofessional Education events, and heard from guest speakers like a Children’s Aid Society worker. These experiences underscored the importance of collaboration across professions, from law enforcement to nursing, while highlighting advocacy and community engagement in practice.

Shannon is also involved in community-based projects, including fundraising for Amelia Rising and contributing to social justice–focused initiatives. These opportunities have boosted her confidence and deepened her understanding of real-world social service work.

Choosing Canadore College was a natural fit. Being from North Bay, Shannon valued studying in a familiar environment while benefiting from Canadore’s strong Social Service Worker program and its alignment with pathways to Nipissing University. She also appreciates the college’s commitment to Indigenous rights, cultural learning, and reconciliation, which she says fosters meaningful professional growth.

Shannon’s motivation to enter the field is deeply personal. “Two years ago, I made the conscious decision to become one of those compassionate and impactful helpers, the kind I remember making a real difference in my own life,” she shares. Drawing from her own experiences, she is dedicated to supporting others in ways that truly matter.

Through hands-on labs, community projects, and simulated client interactions, Shannon has seen firsthand how experiential learning bridges theory and practice. For her, these experiences aren’t just preparation for a career — they are shaping the way she engages with people every day, reinforcing her commitment to becoming a thoughtful, effective, and empathetic social service professional.