Janice Desroches, MA
(she/her)
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2022-2025
MA Social Justice and Equity Studies
Brock University
Current Grade
90/A+
-
Desroches, J. (2025). The possibilities and limitations of the Savvy Ally Literature Circle as a form of experiential social justice-oriented transformative professional development for K-12 Ontario educators (Master’s thesis). Brock University. https://hdl.handle.net/10464/19616
-
Abstract: This thesis explores the potential of the Savvy Ally literature circle (LC) as a transformative professional development (PD) tool for social justice education, which Vaccaro (2013) argues “is not just about participant learning; facilitators must also be willing to learn, grow, and change” (p. 24). Specifically, the Savvy Ally LC addresses systemic inequities faced by marginalized students and educators within 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Informed by the work of Roberts (2024) and theories of transformative learning (Mezirow, 2000) and leadership (Shields, 2020), the study employs a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews to examine how LCs can foster critical reflection, challenge assumptions, and equip educators to advocate for social justice. Through experiential learning, participants engage in collaborative discussions around topics from Gainsburg’s (2023) The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate, gaining insights into supporting 2SLGBTQI+ students and colleagues and acting to create more inclusive learning environments. The study also reflects on the researcher’s role as a transformative leader in facilitating these LCs. Findings reveal that while the LC facilitated meaningful transformation, fostering deeper understanding and social justice growth, challenges remain—such as the need for sustained dialogue, broader representation, and institutional support—to ensure lasting impact. This research contributes to the field of social justice education by proposing a new approach to PD that empowers educators to engage in meaningful social change. Through this thesis, I hope to inspire others to engage in this vital work, creating a future where all students and educators, including 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, feel seen, heard, and supported.
2004-2005
MA Applied Linguistics (T.E.S.L.)
Brock University
Grade
88/A
-
Major Essay Topic: L2 Learners and Integration: The Role of Pedagogy in the Promotion of Learner Autonomy and Integrative Motivation
2000-2003
BA Child and Youth Studies
Brock University
Grade
78/B
-
Teachable in English
Certification & Training
June 13, 2023
Panel on Research Ethics
TCPS 2: CORE 2022
Course on Research Ethics based on the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
Certificate # 0000936795
December 2022
Brock University
Standard First Aid/CPR C-AED
October 2022
Brock University
FIPPA Training
October 2022
The Council of Ontario Universities
AODA Tutorials
Module 1: Understanding the AODA and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service
Module 2: Communicating with Customers with Disabilities
Module 3: Serving Customers with Disabilities
October 28, 2021
First Nations University of Canada
4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education Certificate
2004
Brock University
TESL Certificate
Work Experience
January 2022-Present
DEI Consultant/ Learning Circle Facilitator
DSBN (The District School Board of Niagara)
-
I have offered nine sessions of 'The Savvy Ally Learning Circle' which provides learning to Ontario K-12 educators, faculty, and staff on becoming skilled 2SLGBTQI+ advocates and allies.
-
Meet for 2 hours a week for 5-weeks.
-
Share leadership to centre all voices in the room.
-
Create personal and joint commitments and action plans toward social justice action and success.
July 2021-Present
Co-Founder of Chapters4Change/ Director/ DEI Leader
-
Encourage people to become actively involved in DEI within their workplaces, homes, and communities as well as to invest time in their own education on social justice issues.
-
Roles:
-
Programs & Community Outreach Coordinator: Network and partner with local community organizations.
-
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultant and learning facilitator: Offer learning circles to organizations to promote DEI learning within a collaborative, non-hierarchical, and safe learning environment.
-
Podcast host: Provide a platform for storytelling and story-listening, pushing narratives toward transformative change and justice within the field of education. The podcast shares the storytelling of students, parents, educators, authors, and community changemakers as we unlearn and relearn and challenge our own biases and assumptions.
-
Educational resource developer: Create downloadable educational resources and videos to supplement monthly suggested books for both adult and young readers.
-
Social Media Coordinator: Co-run the website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and Instagram page.
July 2004- March 2022
ESL Instructor
Brock University
-
Promoted student engagement through fostering a student-centred learning environment which values equity, diversity, and inclusion.
-
Taught Intensive English language courses to International students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
-
Created assessments to gauge language acquisition.
-
Designed various course materials, lessons, and activities to fit learners’ needs.
-
Adapted course materials to fit an online learning format including the creation of online collaborative documents, supplementary materials, and PowerPoint presentations.
-
Emphasized proactive and responsive developmental advising by addressing key drivers of student success and identifying risk factors.
-
Actively followed up with students at certain ‘touch points’ (per-midterm, midterm, and pre-final) in the student lifecycle.
-
Advised students on transition issues; reviewing potential solutions and/or options and facilitating referrals to coordinators, Office of the Registrar, and academic and student success supports.
-
Addressed key drivers of student success and identified risk factors.
-
Actively participated in student’s events (e.g. orientation, open house, community engagement activities, and internal extracurricular programming)
-
Developed and delivered advising, student success, and learning support programming and initiatives (e.g. study skills workshops, learning group meetings, and accessibility guides).
-
Explained academic processes, procedures, and expectations to new instructors and students during onboarding procedures to relieve stress and promote success.
-
Mentored practicum students, providing them with guidance and constructive feedback to ensure learner success.
-
Collected data, tracking, and reporting on student success, needs, and retention and reported to coordinators, managers, and directors.
-
Fostered strong relationships with students, instructors, coordinators, and managers to ensure effective communication and a successful student English language learning experience.
-
Developed and maintained currency of knowledge, practices, and resources related to the academic area (ESL), academic procedures, university services, and advising strategies to ensure student success.
Conference Organizer
March 25, 2023
Niagara Social Justice Forum
Brock University
-
I co-planned the forum including helping to choose the forum theme, venue, and community organizations to be involved.
-
Through my community service work with multiple Niagara organizations, I easily connected and confirmed the participation of five out of the eight workshops and two of the five information booths for the forum.
-
I arranged for the opening event with a performance by the amazing Strong Water Singers.
-
I facilitated a workshop entitled ‘Beyond the Book: Equity-based Literature Circles as Educational Tools’.
Committee Work
January 2023-Present
Diversity, Equity, and inclusion Advisory Committee
The City of Thorold
January 2023-Present
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
The City of Thorold
September 2022-Present
Graduate Students' Association Equity and Inclusion Committee
Brock University
September 2022-April 2023
MA Social Justice and Equity Studies Program Committee
Brock University
September 2022-March 2023
CUPE 4207, Unit 1
Equity Committee
Brock University
Awards & Recognition
April 1, 2023
GSA Community and Engagement Award 2023
Brock University
2022-2023
Graduate Scholarships
Brock University
June 1, 2022
Nominee: Community Involvement Award
Pride Niagara's 2022 Niagara UNITY Awards presented by TD
-
This award recognizes creativity, leadership, innovation, and long-term effectiveness in assisting individuals and community organizations, both on and off campus, to deliver services that create a positive impact and experiences for the beneficiaries.
"This year’s recipient was described as an individual who dedicated to showing up for the Brock community and the community at large. Through their involvements, they help to create safer, more inclusive and equitable learning environments for BIPOC students, students with physical or mental differences and other students who face inequities in their studies. Tonight’s recipient works to create spaces for all students to learn and thrive. Heavily involved with Chapters4Change, this year, we are proud to award the Community and Engagement Award to Janice Desroches"
Haley Myatt (she/they)
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Brock University Graduate Students' Association (GSA)
-
Grad Prog/FGS Entrance Scholarship
-
Graduate Fellowship
-
Research Fellowship
-
Nominated for the 9th Annual Pride Niagara Community Involvement Award for work within Niagara to raise public & professional 2SLGBTQI+ awareness in the education sector through partnership with the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) by offering 'The Savvy Ally Learning Circle' to countless faculty, staff, and educators.
Publications
2025
Master's Thesis Social Justice & Equity Studies
-
Desroches, J. (2025). The possibilities and limitations of the Savvy Ally Literature Circle as a form of experiential social justice-oriented transformative professional development for K-12 Ontario educators (Master’s thesis). Brock University. https://hdl.handle.net/10464/19616
2025
Co-authored Journal Article
-
Collins, K., pierson, sarah, Desroches, J., Bagga, G., & Crosby, M. (2025). The need for deep rest: Six stories of critical grief pedagogy. JPHE : Journal of Praxis in Higher Education, 7(1), 52–74. https://doi.org/10.47989/kpdc622
2013
TESL Ontario Conference Winner
2013
Multiple Moments Magazine
-
2013 ESL Week Contest Winner- Instructor Division
-
Short Story: Culture Shock
-
Multiple Moments Magazine, Quarterly Issue 2
-
Desroches, J., & Shelswell, J. (2013). A Shared Calling.
Work Skills
-
Curriculum Development and Design
-
Leadership
-
Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills (Oral & Written)
-
Exceptional Teamwork Skills
-
Independent working skills
-
Organizational Skills
-
Time Management Skills
Activities & Interests
-
Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and taking part in social justice work.
-
Reading various books on social justice topics.
-
Creating innovative activities and tools to promote learning in fun and interesting ways.
-
Learning about other cultures.
Technical
Skills
-
MS TEAMS
-
Zoom
-
PowerPoint
-
MS Word
-
Windows
-
Canva
-
Screencast-o-matic
-
Wix
-
Turnitin
Personal Skills
-
Friendly and Enthusiastic
-
Self-Motivated
-
Communicative
-
Active Listening
-
Ability to Adapt to Change Quickly
-
Critical and Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving
-
Ability to Work Under Pressure and Time Management
-
Highly Organized
-
Punctuality
-
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution