Why Become a Member of Spark University?

Spark University is a nonprofit, volunteer-led community of care providers where we can connect with, empower and inspire each other. We handle big picture stuff, like developing courses and certification programs to make the caregiving field better for you and your clients. And we help you with day to day things, like tips and tools for motivating a client. Through it all, we share the joys, the heartaches and the inspiring moments that remind us what we’re in this for. Changing people’s lives.

Get Connected

Build real relationships with care providers just like you. Say goodbye to isolation through in-person and online events that are educational, unconventional and actually, you know, fun!

Get Empowered

Gain new training, skills, expertise and certification through our programs. Build your future as a specialized, trusted and respected professional care provider.

Get Inspired

Surround yourself with care providers who hold themselves to the highest standard. Share your struggles, celebrate your success stories, and be energized by your shared passion for helping people.

What We Offer

Whether you work with kids, seniors, or adults with disabilities, mental health challenges, or acquired brain injuries, we have something to offer. It all happens through:

Lectures, Webinars & Workshops

We connect you with peers and experts who provide realistic and useful education. Relevant information based on real life scenarios.  All through the latest virtual meeting software. The more learning you can do in your pyjamas, the better!

Learn with Us

Socials & Hangouts

Isolation is one of the leading causes of burnout, especially in home healthcare. We fight it by doing things together that we actually enjoy – games, escape rooms, wine and cheese nights. We create opportunities to discuss the things that matter to all of us.  So that no matter where you are – you won’t be alone.

Let's Hangout

Caregiver Certification

Our caregiver certification program is the first of its kind. Each of our  accredited online courses offered through Canadore College contains over 35 hours of content designed for home health care. The first course explores the traits and skills of a successful caregiver and provides foundational knowledge on health and wellness, boundaries, and burnout prevention. Four more courses are being developed to offer a complete certification program. Course fees are heavily discounted for Spark U members.

More on Certification

Leadership

Spark University is led by Allison Carroll, a healthcare provider with experience in senior care, dementia and brain injuries.  Trained in recreation therapy, she is passionate about building communities of care and equipping caregivers for the long term.  With experience in both the front lines and management, Allison brings a unique perspective, refreshing honesty and a ton of empathy for the daily struggles we all face as care providers.

If you have any questions, she’d love to hear from you!

What’s the Buzz?

Hear what our friends have to say about us!

When someone asks me what I do for work, the answer is simple, something I absolutely love. However, in the field of helping others comes possible isolation, emotional strain and sometimes burnout. I have never felt more welcomed and included by a community and people I now call my second family at Spark U. It continues to take me by surprise how much genuine care fills the Spark family. My co-workers and selfless supervisors have continuously gone out of their way to ensure I am connected with others and my well-being is cared for.

Bridget

I found the Caregiver certification content practical and really appreciated the balance between personal and professional assignments. It encouraged me to be a better caregiver, but also a better, more mindful person (the self-compassion and suicide prevention information was especially helpful). The balance between articles, videos and quizzes was engaging. Having been out of school for several years, it was also motivating to earn a college credit for the course.

Julie

Allison really listens and tries to see where you’re coming from. Knowing I had someone listening and taking the time off their own schedule was enough to help me get back on my feet. I was very impressed.

Sam

Subscribe to our Newsletter.

Sign up for a newsletter that you’ll actually want to read! We’ll chat about the struggles, the wins, and everything in between. We’ll also keep you updated on the latest trainings, courses and socials at Spark U.