Thompson Rivers University

2005 Grace Chronister Distinguished Alumni Award

October 12, 2005

Developed by faculty and alumni of the Department of Social Work to recognize outstanding achievements of TRU Bachelor of Social Work graduates whose endeavours in the community have brought honour to the TRU School of Social Work & Human Service and to the profession of social work.

Helen Kormendy

Helen Kormendy completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree at UCC in 1999 and also holds a BA in Political Science from SFU, a Master of Social Work degree from UBC, a Public Relations and Communications Diploma from Kwantlen College, and certificates from the Justice Institute of BC.

Helen is a Registered Social Worker who currently works as a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician in the rural communities of Ashcroft and Lillooet. She has previously worked as a Youth and Family Mediator, an Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Surrey, a Youth Program Supervisor, and, in her early twenties, in many non-traditional roles for CN Rail.

Helen is a strong advocate for her profession and community. She is currently Vice-President of the BC Association of Social Workers; she is active with the BC Government Employees Union and is also the Communications Director for the NDP Cariboo-South Riding.

Helen lives in Ashcroft with her partner, Andy, and is an avid world traveller.

For more information, please contact Helen Kormendy at 250-453-2117 (Monday & Thursday), 250-256-2710 (Tuesday & Wednesday) or 250-453-2309, or by email.