Faces of ILNS

Get to know the #FacesOfILNS - each Friday we will highlight a consumer, staff member, or board member so you can get to know more about ILNS.

Get to know this week’s #FeatureFriday Brianna Boyle. Brianna is a part of our Student Self Managed Care Program. Meet Brianna: 

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?

A: I was born and raised in beautiful Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I attended St. Francis Xavier University to complete my undergraduate degree, and this is where I discovered my passion for psychology. I am now currently completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of New Brunswick with the goal of becoming a licensed psychologist in my home province.

Q: What’s your favourite part about accessing the post-secondary self-manager services at ILNS?

A: I think my favourite part about accessing ILNS services has been the freedom that comes with it. Unfortunately, many supportive services can feel very rigid and challenging to navigate, but the process with ILNS has been so smooth and accessible. I have been able to hire and train some amazing attendants who supported me throughout my (many) years of education, and I have also met some really amazing people throughout the process and developed some life-long friends.

Q: How has your involvement with this ILNS service helped you to be more independent?

A: This is such a good question, but a tricky one to answer! I cannot even imagine the hurdles I would have had to try and jump through without ILNS services to get to where I am today. Many of us with disabilities know all too well the extra amount of planning that goes into our day-to-day lives, and these services have allowed me to reduce that load significantly and have allowed me to focus on my undergraduate and graduate work like other students. Simple things like travelling between buildings, carrying my books and laptop to and from classes or meetings would normally be a huge headache but has been something I thankfully never have to worry about with my attendant support.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?

A: It always sounds cheesy to say, but I really do believe you can do anything you set your mind on – sometimes you just need to get creative and find your own unique path and timeline that works for you.

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?

A: Right now, my biggest goal is to finish up the last few stages of my PhD program and then to graduate and start my career. I also really look forward to opportunities to travel and experience other areas of the world.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: I’d like to give a quick shoutout to all the amazing staff behind ILNS who do such a great job for all of us accessing services. It really is life changing and I am so grateful for you all.