Celebrating 10 years with the College of Naturopaths
Posted On: December 8, 2022
I recently read an article detailing that what makes a company great is its people.
I have been fortunate during my time at the College to have worked with an amazing team of people who support our work and make the College a great place. A key person among this group is Erica Laugalys, our Director of Registration and Examinations who has been with the College since November 2012.
Over the past 10 years, Erica has shown her loyalty and dedication to the College, its Council and Committees time and time again. From her time as Examinations Coordinator to Manager, ETP and Exams and now as our Director of Registration and Examinations, Erica has consistently been one to stay late or step up to get the work done and always ensure that the College is meeting its regulatory responsibilities.
Erica has served with many Council members supporting their work on several committees, including the Registration Committee and Exam Appeals Committee. She has been vital to the development and implementation of the College’s Clinical Sciences, Biomedical and Clinical Practical Examinations, not to mention the Prescribing & Therapeutics and IVIT exams.
In addition to her Council and Committee work Erica has interacted with countless volunteers who have served as examiners, invigilators and item writers. “Erica is an excellent leader and keeps the discussions and tasks at meetings moving forward in a positive direction,” says Lisa Fenton, an appointed Public member of the Registration Committee. “Erica treats all committee members with respect no matter how long they have been part of the ever-changing group. Erica truly seeks to understand the perspectives of others. This quality is highly important and an asset to the staff, registrants, committee members, and the public.”
Dr. Danielle O’Connor, ND, Chair of the Registration Committee echoes those sentiments saying “I have had the privilege of working closely alongside Erica for several years within the Council and Committee work. The deep and intricate knowledge she has of the by-laws and policies has always been such a wonderful asset, only second to the style and grace with which she delivers her knowledge. We truly value the passion and commitment she brings every day to her work.”
According to Dr. Jacqueline Colello, ND: “It takes only one individual to make a difference….unwavering support, commitment, dedication, and focus are gifts that not everyone possesses….Erica’s positive attitude and perseverance in her work inspires everyone around her to give their best.”
Over these 10 years, Erica has worked closely with several other long serving staff. According to Maryam Katozian, Acting Manager, Registration “Erica motivates us to be the best version of ourselves by encouraging us to trust our capabilities, always listening to our ideas, giving us honest and constructive feedback while continuing to encourage us to put forth ideas and take the reins on important matters. She actively builds her team up to be independent but always maintains an open-door policy. We trust her, value her and are grateful to be under the leadership of someone that is an expert in her field, respects us, and values our contribution to the organization.”
“Highly intelligent, knowledgeable to an extreme, quick witted, and dedicated are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Erica,” says Andrew Parr, Chief Executive Officer of the College, “but to these I would add kind, caring, supportive and one who gives generously of herself and her time are things we often forget but value most dearly. This College is so much better for having benefited from Erica’s dedication and service. For this, we cannot thank her enough.”
It gives me a great deal of pleasure on behalf of the Council of the College and all our staff to publicly recognize an amazing person, and an upstanding employee who is so dedicated to her work and takes pride in every effort she puts forth.
Erica, thank you for your 10 years of service to this College and thank you for all your hard work. It has been such a pleasure. I look forward to continuing to work with you for a very long time.
Jeremy Quesnelle
Deputy Chief Executive Officer