Years of struggle changed when Toby, at 10 years of age, was diagnosed with learning disabilities.
Two years later, he was introduced to the people at 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.). It was at this point that things in Toby’s life began to change; confidence, acceptance and self-empowerment were part of his life for the first time.
Toby grew up as a middle child in the Comox Valley with his parents and two brothers. He started school at Brooklyn Elementary, continued on to Robb Road Junior School, then graduated, with honours, from Highland Senior Secondary. From there, he attended UVic’s Phoenix Theatre Program and also studied child and youth care for two years.
Returning to the Valley in 2001, Toby worked with children, youth and families in many different environments, from community centres to group homes, youth centres to alternative schools.
Toby now lives in Victoria with his wife Meghann, and will be returning to school at Camosun College in May to take the Community Mental Health Certificate Program.
His most recent work with the Greater Victoria School District as a behavioural educational assistant reawoke his memories of school and his struggles with learning. Toby wants to let people know it doesn’t have to be that way — that’s why he will be guest speaker at the annual general meeting of 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.) to be held Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in the White Spot Conference Room.
Current Society members are encouraged to attend and members of the public are welcome.
Visitors to the Centre (581 McPhee Ave., Courtenay) are welcome during office hours. For more information, call 250-338-4890.
— 4R’s Education Centre