Remembering FCSS past

A few years ago, the reputation of FCSS was outstanding and as a mature social work student, being a part of this organization for a practicum was a golden opportunity. Even better, being placed with a counsellor such as Karen Lanser was an extraordinary honor. Learning from someone of her expertise and reputation allowed me to gain a true appreciation of what it meant for a counsellor to create a safe and compassionate space for individuals as they tended to their emotional and mental well-being.

FCSS Executive Director Mr. Zakk Morrison discussed programming in The Taber Times, dated January 16, also announcing a new counselling supervisor. I feel some of his statements are both unjust and defamatory to the great work that was being done in the past by both Karen Lanser and Bryan Bullock. This has driven me to take a stand and defend the past counselling team. Both Karen and Bryan invested numerous hours sitting on a variety of committees such as TCAPS and MDST and others and have been dedicated to the members of this community and to discredit what they have done over the years is very concerning to me.

After spending hundreds of hours side by side with Karen, this is what I know to be true. She is one of the most accepting, compassionate, and devoted counsellors who is passionately committed to her clients. When Karen’s clients are in her presence, they know they are worthy of her attention, she believes in them wholeheartedly, making this work her priority; not something she just fits into her “free time” as Morrison states will now be happening more in Taber. I always thought it was me who was the fortunate one to have had Karen as a mentor, the truth is, it is her clients. Karen Lanser has never worked from the “corner of her desk,” she has always worked from the bottom of her heart. This is what I know to be true.

JODY FRANCIS
Lethbridge