Meet the Herd: Melanie

Meet the Zebra Centre’s Manager of Justice Supports Melanie! She shares all about her very exciting role, what it is like working alongside Captain as his primary handler and more!

Q: Tell us about your role as Manager, Justice Supports.

Melanie: As Manager, Justice Supports, my role involves advocating and supporting children, youth, and their families, while continuing to expand the different programs. Currently my profile includes Zebras Court Supports Program as well as Data and Evaluation. On top of that, I’m the primary handler of Captain, one of Zebra’s facility dogs from Dogs with Wings. 

Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as Manager, Justice Supports look like?

Melanie: I’m not quite sure how to explain what a typical day in the life as Manager, Justice Supports looks like as every day is a bit different. Some days are spent in numerous meetings planning on how to develop and enhance the current supports offered to families. Other days I may be responding to numerous emails from the many partners we work with. I may also be seen walking down the halls bringing Captain to meet with a kiddo or at the Edmonton Law Courts supporting a family. 

Q: What do you love most about your role?

Melanie: This is a very tough question as there are many aspects of my role that I love which is why I have been with the Zebra herd for many years. In my current role, I really enjoy the opportunity to be involved in the conversations on how Zebra can grow as an organization and development the current programs. I‘m also currently in conversation with different partners on how to best implement remote testimony here at the Centre which is going to be a huge step forward for the children and youth. Lastly, I love the chance to connect with children, youth, and families when I’m bringing Captain to meet with them. 

Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far?

Melanie: There have been many moments over the past 5 years that I’m extremely proud which include the professional growth I have had since I started with Zebra as a practicum student five years ago. I’m also extremely proud to have organized having the first child to testify from within a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre back in May of 2020. More recently, I was extremely proud of the work Captain did in an interview after getting some feedback from the interviewer. The kiddo did not want to talk to the interviewer so instead shared her entire story to Captain while the interviewer just sat there and listened. 

Q: What motivates you to show your stripes (your why)?

Melanie: The mission and vision of the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is what motivates me to show my stripes every day. I cannot imagine a child going through this process without the support from the Zebra herd.