Heroes Within hero

Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors

June 2-4, 1999, at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario

a hero....

Many now may have had the privilege of meeting and laughing along with Dennis McDermott, the Executive Director of the OACYC. Joanne Cox, President of the OACYC introduced Dennis at a Plenary session and her remarks are loosely recalled here.

Joanne thanked Dennis for putting Heroes Within together without much help from the Executive itself. He is now the only full time Executive Director for a child and youth care association in Canada. Upon his retirement from St. Lawrence College this June, Dennis has dedicated himself to a ten year commitment to continue the work of growing the association. Joanne noted the increase in the membership levels and the growing following for the newsletter, the CYC Chronicle. It has gone from a typical volunteer document to an eagerly awaited magazine for the members. Joanne noted that the projections for the growth of the OACYC were well beyond that the executive could imagine a few years ago.

Dennis likes to point out his many personal problems and occasional life skills, (can dial phone). The truth of the matter is that he has a fine memory for detail and can even recall members who have left the province when prompted. His humor and total encouragement for the association membership to speak up, to write, to represent and create is remarkable. The OACYC is blessed to have a member with the dedication, passion and skills Dennis displays devoted towards its growth and progress over the decade ahead. The 50th anniversary holds much promise for the OACYC.

Guests to this site who wish to know more about the OACYC are encouraged to write office@oacyc.org for additional information. Becoming a member supports the work of the many who volunteer their time and skills toward professional development and allows you to receive the best child and youth care newsletter in the country, the CYC Chronicle. Discounts to conferences and workshops are also a perk of membership. Join and renew your membership annually.

These pages were prepared by Garth Goodwin on behalf of the Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations to recognize the 40th Anniversary of the OACYC and Heroes Within. Photography made possible by the Child and Youth Care Workers Association of Manitoba and the support of Marymound, Inc. was appreciated. This page was up-dated December 31, 2004.