The Magic Behind Successful Community Service (Panel Discussion)

About the Event

This presentation shares lessons from the CityStudio Thunder Bay pilot, highlighting the “magic” behind effective Community Service Learning. Drawing on faculty, student, and community experiences, it demonstrates how well-designed CSL projects enhance student learning while delivering meaningful, real-world value for community partners.  This event is hosted by Karen Kerk, CityStudio Thunder Bay, NOSM University.

Speakers

Karen Kerk (MSW) is the CityStudio/CCE Coordinator for the City of Thunder Bay, where she leads collaborative projects between the City, post-secondary institutions, and community partners. Through CityStudio, she supports experiential learning and community-based research that engages students and faculty in addressing real-world municipal priorities across sectors.

Dr. Helle Møller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Lakehead University. Her work spans the determinants of health, social justice, and equity, with particular attention to perinatal people, people on the female continuum, and Indigenous communities in northern, rural, and remote regions.

Kristina Baraskewich is a marketing and communications leader with industry and academic experience. Formerly with Comark Inc. and Firedog Communications, she specializes in strategy, project management, and training. Now a post-secondary instructor and Program Coordinator of Business Marketing at Confederation College, she contributes through leadership, advisory roles, and community service across Northern Ontario and beyond.

Louisa Costanzo is the Community Safety and Well-Being Manager for the City of Thunder Bay. Her work centres relationships, shared learning, and the thoughtful use of data and lived experience to support equity-informed, human-centred approaches that help communities turn insight into action.