Taking a chance leads to new, fulfilling career for Education Assistant graduate

Abra Greffen’s path to becoming an Education Assistant (EA) is proof that curiosity and a bit of courage can lead to a satisfying career at any stage.

After taking time out from her previous career in client relations to raise her children, Greffen spent years as an active volunteer and member of her children’s school council, cultivating a strong connection to the educational environment. When her twins reached grade six, she felt ready to re-engage with the professional world. “I was ready to do something and start talking to adults again,” she recalls with a laugh. This led her to a role as a lunch supervisor at another school, which reinforced her love for working with children and set the stage for her eventual career change.

Greffen’s natural ability to connect with young learners became increasingly evident. “I’ve always loved being around kids,” she explains. “I find that they just gravitate toward me and we end up forming these wonderful connections.”

The decision to pursue a formal role in education didn’t come easily. Greffen had been out of school for years and felt intimidated by the prospect of returning. However, a chance encounter with an online information session led by Mount Royal University’s Education Assistant Extension Certificate program team became the turning point. Their presentation inspired her to take the plunge.

“I was really nervous,” Greffen admits. “I hadn’t written an essay or collaborated with people in years. I didn’t even have a computer course under my belt when I was in school. But the staff made me feel like I’d be part of a team that was there to help me succeed.”

Greffen applied to the program the next day, committing to a full academic year of courses running from September to June. Despite her initial fears, she excelled. “I rocked it,” she says. “It was exactly where I was meant to be.”

The EA program provided Greffen with the tools and confidence to thrive in her new career. She particularly valued the two 90-hour practicums included in the curriculum. “The first practicum was about learning from teachers,” she explains. “By the second one, I had developed my own skills and was able to apply them. It was a great progression that really prepared me for the job.”

Greffen also appreciated the collaborative nature of the program, which allowed her to interact with classmates from diverse backgrounds. The online format was a new experience for her, but it turned out to be an unexpected advantage. “Learning to collaborate through Google Meet was invaluable,” she says. “Hearing different perspectives on teaching and being around kids enriched my understanding.”

Greffen’s efforts paid off when she secured a position as an EA at the French Immersion elementary school her children once attended. She now works with kindergarten, grade one and grade three students, providing a mix of one-on-one support and classroom assistance.

One of her key roles is supporting a kindergarten student who requires individual attention. “I help them with classroom activities, provide movement breaks and help them work on managing dysregulation,” she explains. “It’s about keeping them engaged with their peers while also addressing their unique needs.”

Greffen thrives on building strong relationships with her students and colleagues. “I’ve always been about relationships,” she says. “It’s wonderful to know what’s going on with the kids and to be part of their growth.”

Reflecting on her journey, Greffen is proud of what she has accomplished. “I’m in my 50s and it was a little intimidating to be in a program with younger students,” she says. “But each instructor was incredibly supportive and encouraging. They gave me the confidence to step into this role.

I recommend Mount Royal’s program to everyone. The resources, the practicum opportunities and the people were incredible. They truly set me up for success. It feels really good to be right where I’m supposed to be.”

Education Assistant Extension Certificate applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2025 semester. Visit the program page to learn more.