YMCA Enterprise Centre

10211-105 Street
Edmonton
Alberta
T5J 1E3
To Whom it May Concern:
Re: Lindsay Gustafson
This letter is intended to endorse Lindsay Gustafsons application for an elementary teaching
position.
I supervised Lindsay during her work at the Mount Pleasant YMCA for approximately nine
months until I left in October 2007. During her time at the centre , Lindsay established herself as
a highly regarded and valued member of the Child Care team. Our program at Mount Pleasant
requires staff to adapt to an almost unique situation. The majority of children are taught through
the Cogito program, a style of learning that teaches an enriched curriculum, and as such require
an Out-of-School program tailored to that particular disposition. Offering a program that
maintains the defined and established structure that the children are used to whilst affording them
the opportunity to interact on a more informal level can be extremely challenging. Lindsay,
however, understood the nature of these challenges and met them not only with commendable
enthusiasm but also considerable success.
While at Mount Pleasant, Lindsay initiated crafts, outings and activities, which were diverse in
nature and showed a recognition of different interests and abilities. Through this, and through her
thoughtful interaction with parents and children, Lindsay established herself with staff and
families as a popular and respected figure. Families identified her as a senior member of the team
and were happy to address their concerns or questions to her in the knowledge that they would be
handled in an appropriate and professional manner
Perhaps most importantly, Lindsay understands that her role as a Child Care worker transcends
the time she spent at the centre. As such, Lindsay took care to present herself as a positive role
model through her rational and patient means of conflict resolution and her considerate
interaction with those students who have particular behavioral needs.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Lindsay Gustafson for an elementary teaching
position. Her ability is such that I am confident that Lindsay will have a long and successful
teaching career. She would be a tremendous asset to any elementary program.
If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely
Chris Heywood
Director of Child Care Services
Edmonton YMCA
Tel: 780-969-8817
E-Mail: cheywood@edmonton.ymca.ca