Brenda Joyce B.S.W, M.S.W, R.S.W.
With a practice background working with individuals, families, and communities, Brenda is passionate about social justice, equity, and working towards positive change. As an educator, she is equally passionate about teaching and learning, joining students on their journey as developing professionals.
Much of Brenda’s social work experience, including family work and community development took place in rural and isolated areas, and taught her about the impact of the scarcity of resources, and the resiliency of people and communities. Policy decisions made at a distance were opportunities for advocacy and change, in order to decrease barriers. She considers herself fortunate for the teachings of clients, mentors, and communities, as this shaped her practice, and her teaching philosophy.
Following a secondment to the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Brenda provided leadership for changes to the program curriculum. She incorporates learning activities that engage students with the material, and seeks creative ways that connect theory to social work practice.
Before coming to Red Deer College, Brenda coordinated the Social Work Diploma Program for MacEwan University at Northern Lakes College in Slave Lake, and taught for Learning Circles (University of Calgary) throughout Northern Alberta. She is currently the Program Chair.
B.S.W. University of Regina
M.S.W. (Clinical), University of Calgary
R.S.W. Alberta College of Social Workers
Social Work Practice Methods, Social Policy, Field Placement
Selected Publications:
Kulig, J.C., Edge, D., & Joyce, B. (2008). Community resiliency as a measure of collective health status: Perspectives from rural communities. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 40(4), 92-110.
Kulig, J.C., Edge, D., & Joyce, B. (2008). Understanding community resiliency in rural communities through multimethod research. Journal of Rural and Community Development, 3(3), 76-94.
Joyce, B. [Review of the book Growth and development through group work]. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 18(2), 91-93.
Joyce, B. (2005). [Review of the book Rural social work: Building and sustaining community assets]. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 16(1), 100-103.
Conference Presentations:
Joyce, B., & Jeppesen, A. (June, 2017). Challenges and successes: Faculty reflections on a teaching development program. Gateways in Higher Education: Cultures, Transition, Transformations. Annual Conference of the Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), Halifax.
Joyce, B., & Jeppesen, A. (February, 2014). Excellence in teaching and learning. Education Developers Caucus 2014. Calgary.
Jeppesen, A., & Joyce, B. (November, 2013). Developing excellence through inter-professional learning and reflective practice. Poster presentation. 2013 Symposium on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Banff.
Joyce B., & George, M. (June, 2011). Inter-professional learning between Social Work and Nursing students. Presentation and panel discussion. Association of College Educators of Social Service and Social Work Diploma Programs (ACESS) National Conference, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Joyce, B. (June, 2004). Placement as process: Creating optimal learning opportunities in field. ACESS National Conference, Montreal.
Community and Professional Involvement:
- Board Member, Red Deer Housing Authority.
- Board Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Innisfail, 2011 – 2014.
- Professional Social Work Education Board, Alberta College of Social Workers; representative of Alberta Association of Social Work Diploma Programs, 2005 – 2011.
- Member, Municipal Emergency Services Committee, Town of Bowden, (Social Services/Health), 2006 – 2009.
- Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) Co-Chair, Conference Planning Committee, Political is Personal: Social Workers United, Red Deer, AB, April 21-23, 2005.
Professional and/or RDC Leadership:
- Peer Observer
- Former member, Faculty Performance Committee
- Former member, Curriculum Committee
- Former member, Student Awards Advisory Committee
- Former member, Writing Skills Centre Advisory Committee
- Former member, Student Awards Selection Committee
- Former member, Organizing Committee, Take Back the Night Event
- Former Member, Access and Excellence (internal campaign), Building Committees Through Learning
Professional Memberships:
- Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
- Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE)