Saskia Stinson is an inclusive educator in adult special education whose aim is to help her students develop a life with a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging, both in postsecondary and also out in the community. Her exceptional contributions to teaching and learning include co-founding the social enterprise ESTR’s Market that has challenged the system and changed the culture for youth who are neurodivergent at TRU. This market has been influential in the development of similar projects as part of other inclusive education programs in postsecondary in British Columbia. In her role, Saskia has made it a priority to connect with local Elders, Indigenous colleagues, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous researchers, and other Indigenous practitioners to ensure that she approaches her work from a decolonized and Indigenized lens.
Students love learning from Saskia because she provides them with accommodations and alternate ways to showcase what they know and understand as part of flexible program delivery. She listens to understand what students want to learn about food service training and provides real-life, experiential learning opportunities for that to happen. Students participate in fieldtrips, service-learning projects, complete journals, and practicums in commercial kitchens as part of their education in her program.
Saskia is exemplary in modeling equity, diversity, and inclusion. She advocates for inclusive postsecondary education for students who are neurodivergent, and she models cultural competency and safety by advocating for inclusive spaces and learning opportunities for all students.