Become a Placement Student

At SMILE, we offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, community-driven environment. Our placements provide valuable insight into working with children with disabilities and their families from diverse backgrounds while helping students develop practical skills in their field of study. Interested in becoming a SMILE placement student?

If you are interested in completing your placement or coop with SMILE Canada, please reach out to your placement coordinator and have them reach out to info@smilecan.org

Meet our Placement Students

Mayumi Chavez

Hello! My name is Mayumi and I am currently studying Social Work and Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. I'm passionate about advocating for the disability community and leading my practice with empathy and love.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, spending time with my two cats, and being with loved ones!

Marley Russell

Hello all! I am a McMaster student occupational therapist. I hold a doctorate in psychology and have spent my career thus far in research, undergraduate education, and volunteer training development within the non-profit sector. I value community care, disability justice, and improving health care accessibility.

I consider emotional support and fostering belongingness to be critical aspects of the service navigation process for clients and their families. I live with my wife and cat and my other interests include movies and art such as collage, photography, and writing.

Past Projects

As part of completing a placement at SMILE, students have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects. Here are some highlights of past projects.

Kassidy & Ugshana Reading Kits Project

Ugshana and Kassidy two of SMILE's placement students, help Farhan put together and distribute inclusive reading kits to schools in our community! This CSC Community Heroes project is a step in ensuring classrooms can be an accessible and inclusive space for all children and youth.
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SMILE Families: Mental Health Guide for Caregivers

Walaa and Diyana, SMILE placement students, created a quick guide for caregivers on protecting their mental health. It covers challenges faced by newcomer families with disabilities, coping tips, and how SMILE supports caregiver well-being.
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Talking to Doctors: A guide for SMILE families

This guide allows you to participate in your child’s healthcare by providing essential information on medical discussions, symptoms, history, and mental well-being to ensure comprehensive and informed care.
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Caring for your Mental Health as Caregivers

Explores the emotional impact of caregiving, dispels common myths, and provides practical strategies and culturally relevant resources to support caregivers' mental well-being.
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