Allyson Dafoe, DEVS PhD candidate and teaching assistant was one of more than 40 Queen’s instructors, teaching assistants, and staff members who were recognized as 2024 Champions for Mental Health for creating supportive learning and campus environments. These champions have been nominated by students across faculties and schools, and in Student Affairs, for showing compassion, encouraging a sense of belonging, inspiring health-promoting behaviours, and promoting student mental well being.
Below is an excerpt from the nomination submitted by students noting the positive impact that Allyson has on their mental health and well being.
Allyson has consistently demonstrated her commitment to supporting her students' well-being and success in their academics. She goes above and beyond by thoroughly answering questions in class, providing us essay example questions and responding to emails. Additionally, she makes herself always available, offering extra study materials to help with understanding lectures and readings. She is very accommodating with circumstances that may affect deadlines, which helps with alleviating pressure and fostering a positive mental health environment. She encourages open discussions on pressing student issues, a rarity among some instructors. Moreover, she provides clear instructions ensuring students feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Allyson is caring and compassionate and this creates a nurturing learning atmosphere where everyone feels valued and this enhances students' well-being and success at Queen's. She is an exceptional teaching assistant and students are very fortunate to have her.
The Champions for Mental Health program was developed by students in 2021, in response to student feedback and research calling for increased mental health promotion in academic spaces and campus environments. To date, the program has recognized more than 130 Champions for Mental Health.
To read more about the program and the 2024 recipients, please go to the Arts and Science website.