Moving from a career in the health rehabilitation field to one in construction might seem like a gigantic leap.
For EllisDon senior project manager Kelly Slater it was logical transition.
“My father worked in cottage maintenance in Muskoa, so I have that background and interest in construction,” says Slater in summarizing her career progression to the role she holds now.
Since joining EllisDon in 2014 she has managed or been a participant on some major projects including The Well in downtown Toronto and assisting in the delivery of the first occupancy for the M1 and M2 at the M City condominium project in Mississauga.
Currently, she is the senior project manager for the Sir Robert Peel Centre Redevelopment, which is a redevelopment of the Peel Regional Police Division 22 on Hurontario Street in Peel Region.
Slater describes it as “a very exciting project.”
Despite her father’s background, Slater’s career aspirations in high school, and later in college, weren’t focused on construction.
Instead, it was a high school co-op placement that nurtured her interest in the health sector.
The placement was at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitation department where she worked alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists and assistants observing and assisting with patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
“Participating in the co-op program not only showed me how the job was done, but also ignited my passion for helping people.”
After acquiring an occupational therapist assistant/physiotherapist assistant diploma at Humber College, she began a career in that field with Toronto Western Hospital’s Altum Health in 2001.
“I worked in the Hand Program, which specializes in providing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and return-to-work services for injured workers. This experience was incredibly fulfilling and significantly influenced my commitment to workplace safety.
“Witnessing the profound impact workplace injuries can have on individuals and their families firsthand has deeply shaped my perspective. It drives me to ensure that everyone I work with returns home safely to their loved ones each and every day,” says Slater in reflecting on that experience and her duties as a senior project manager.
The origins of that position go back about15 years ago when EllisDon started constructing the hospital’s east wing.
“I developed friendships with several members of their team and my long-standing interest in construction was further encouraged by those connections.”
With the support of senior management, she channeled that interest into concrete action by studying project management at the University of Toronto, plus estimating, scheduling and other construction-related courses at George Brown College.
Around 2005 she transitioned to the hospital’s infrastructure department and was soon working on construction projects primarily focusing on interior fit-outs and the development of satellite clinics across Ontario.
A few years later EllisDon returned to Toronto Western Hospital to build the Krembil Discovery Tower and that would set up a sequence of events that would change her career trajectory.
Slater was one of the hospital’s owner representatives on the project and after occupancy was achieved there was a celebration. During that celebration there was some “light-hearted jokes” about joining EllisDon. The next day, however, there was an email in her inbox inviting her to submit a resume.
“I decided to take the plunge. The following week I submitted my resume and few weeks after that I was hired. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Asked if there were some steep learning curves along the way and how those hurdles were overcome, she attributes that to a number of factors.
The University of Toronto and George Brown College courses helped her understand the construction process. And having played competitive sports “my entire life,” she has learned how to be a good team member and lead effectively.
As a Humber College student, she played on the women’s varsity basketball team which won two Ontario College Athletic Association championships. Having the support of colleagues has also helped, says Slater, citing the advice of a senior manager Gabe Clerici.
“He once told me that, while he could teach me construction, having an interest in learning and growing was critical. I think that has played a huge role in my success at EllisDon.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. Each of these individuals has taken me under their wing and provided me with guidance.”
She intends to return that guidance and mentorship in her incoming two-year term as chair of Together, EllisDon’s gender equality group. Among other initiatives, the volunteer committee works with and supports Jill of All Trades, the outreach program that encourages young women in Grades 9 to 12 to consider a career in the trades.
When asked what advice she would give young women entering or considering construction, Slater says: “Ask questions. Don’t be scared to use your voice and take every opportunity which comes your way.”
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