Mentorship, Community, and the Joy of Watching Others Rise

One of the great joys of a career in education is watching those you have mentored continue to rise, in their profession and in the ways they serve others.

Years ago, I was fortunate to have Dr. Penny Corkum, a friend and respected colleague who has also joined Threshold Psychology part-time, recommend Kelly Renouf to me. I then had the privilege of hiring Kelly from the CCRSB to join our team of school psychologists on the South Shore. From the beginning, Kelly was the consummate caring and committed school psychologist, serving students, school staff, parents, and educational partners with compassion, professionalism, and deep respect for each learner’s needs.

Later, I had the privilege of inviting Kelly to present on Mindfulness in Education to our NSTU members. She was received with warmth and appreciation. Kelly leaves people feeling better about themselves, their work, and their chosen profession. Her presence has always been calm, caring, and encouraging.

Over time, Kelly decided to take leave from the school board and start her private practice. She carried with her a dream of opening a centre that would support children, youth, and adults across the South Shore. Today, that dream has become Threshold Psychology.

Standing beside Kelly in this dream is her husband, Jamie. I also had the privilege of mentoring Jamie, along with our Student Services teams, during his time as both a teacher and an assistive technology facilitator. Jamie became a respected teacher and advocate for Universal Design for Learning, helping ensure that all learners could access information, knowledge, and opportunity. Throughout his career, he continued to grow as an educator and leader, eventually becoming vice-principal of a P-9 school in Mahone Bay.

Together, Kelly and Jamie made the brave decision to take leave from the school system and step fully into this shared vision. Jamie brought his educational leadership, advocacy, and organizational strengths to the business side of Kelly’s dream. Together, they created something meaningful for their community.

Today, family, friends, educators, community members, and staff gathered for the open house of Threshold Psychology. It was a celebration of hard work, vision, service, and care. Threshold will serve Mahone Bay and the surrounding area by supporting healthy minds, resilience, and well-being for children, youth, adults, and families.

As I walked through their beautiful new space, I felt such pride. Pride in what Kelly and Jamie have accomplished, pride in who they continue to be, and a quiet personal pride in knowing that my own son laid the concrete foundation for the building that now holds their dream.

One of my own guiding principles for a healthy foundation is to gather support around you. We all need people who walk beside us, encourage us, and remind us that we are capable of rising. Kelly and Jamie have once again stepped up as supporters and cheerleaders for those in their community.

Threshold Psychology is more than a new office. It is a place of care, connection, learning, and hope.

Congratulations, Kelly and Jamie. It was a joy to stand in your space today and witness the next chapter of your service to others.

Keep rising.