Who Am I?

As a single mom I have spent the past 20 years raising my 4 kids to adulthood (while completing my University Degree and working full time), and now am experiencing the realities of the Empty Nest Syndrome, as my youngest is now in college. I have a good sense of humor, write stories, poems and persuasive speeches, order books from Amazon.com and enjoy playing on computers and the internet. My favourite search engine is google.

As a Career/Employment Counsellor and Workshop Developer/Facilitator who has been working in the employment field for the past 17 years, I can help you develop your Resumes and Cover Letters as well as your Portfolio.

Portfolios are a way to demonstrate to an employer the skills you have obtained over the years, whether or not you have the written certificates for a position. Many schools are now also using portfolios for Prior Learning Assessments.

Contact me for more information on ways to put together your portfolio.

Fran Watson - Activities

* I got interested in public speaking a few years ago and am currently the VP Public Relations and a member of the Pembroke & Area Toastmasters Club , where I achieved my CTM (Competent Toastmaster) designation in 9 months and was awarded Toastmaster of the Year 2003. I recently completed the requirements for ATM-Bronze and CL (Competent Leader)and was again awarded Toastmaster of the Year 2004. In 2005 I was awarded the Tenacious Toastmaster award and I am currently starting a club in Renfrew. Pembroke & Renfrew are both part of District 61 Toastmasters International

* I am a former member of CAPS (Canadian Association for Professional Speakers) where I received the President's Award for Outstanding Service in 2002.

* I have served as a Volunteer Committee member for the Miss Renfrew Pageant for the past 5 years 2001 - 2005

* I am a graduate of Waterloo University in Social Development studies in 2000, after 13 years of distance education while raising 4 children as a single parent. It can be done folks!!

* Currently I am completing a Certificate for Teaching Adults

* I am a member of OAAPT - Ontario Association of Applied Personality Theory, and am qualified to administer Myers Briggs and I am a True Colors and Personality Dimensions Facilitator

* I am involved with IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association) in promoting workplace health and safety and delivering Young Worker Awareness Programs.

* I completed Level 1 Life Skills Coach and Therapeutic Touch

* I have been Secretary and Webmaster for Ottawa Valley Computer Club for the past 5 years

Fran Watson - Author

* I enjoy writing and am the author of several articles for the local newspaper on Job Search activities as well as Public Speaking Tips for Toastmasters. One of my poems Choices was chosen to be the opening page of the Fall Issue 3 (2004) of LOTUS Magazine. I was so proud. I feel God gave me a gift to share and that is one of the reasons why I have placed this page on the internet with all my poems, and one of the reasons that I submit my articles for others to read. I hope that some of them will touch your heart.