Leadership and Administration

My graduate education, training and work experience as a Speech- Language Pathologist has given me an active understanding of the strengths and functional limitations of individuals across a broad range of disability conditions. Through experience, I understand how functional limitations of a condition intersect with an adult student’s ability to access and participate in the postsecondary environment. Work in this field has provided the opportunity to develop support plans to assisting individuals across the lifespan in private practice, hospital, community and educational settings. I hold registration with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario; I am an Independent Authorizer of Communication Aids – Assistive Devices Program Province of Ontario and hold memberships with certification from Speech-Language and Audiology Canada and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

In my spare time, I have and continue to contribute to advancement of the field of Communication Disorders and Sciences through various volunteer roles at provincial, national and international levels with the following organizations:

• Council for Academic Accreditation; The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association; 2000-2010: Site reviewer and past voting board member of the world’s largest accreditor of Graduate Programs in Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (2008- present): Site reviewer for university graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology
• Canadian Association of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Regulators of Canada (2014-2016): Subject-matter contributing consultant
• College of Audiologists and Speech- Language Pathologists of Ontario (2012-present): Subject-matter contributing consultant

As Manager, Accommodation Support Services, I oversee the work in Accessible Learning related to facilitating student accommodations including exams, learning strategies, assistive technology, note taking, educational support, and transcription.

I began at Laurier in September 2019 in the role of Supervisor, Academic Accommodations on the Brantford campus and transitioned to my current role in April 2021. Previously I worked at Redeemer University College as a Learning Strategist and Director, Institutional Research. My educational background includes: Bachelor of Science (biomedical biology), Bachelor of Education (junior/intermediate/senior qualifications), Master of Education (administration and leadership), and Certificate in Learning Disabilities Studies. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Education degree. I'm certified with the Ontario College of Teachers and in Mental Health First Aid.

Hands, Catherine; Guzar, Katlyn; Rodrigue, Anne. "The Art and Science of Leadership in Learning Environments: Facilitating a Professional Learning Community across Districts." Alberta Journal of Educational Research. (2015)

Davis (Guzar), Katlyn. "Education for Sustainable Development in the Elementary Classroom." Elements Online. (2012)

Davis (Guzar), Katlyn; Armstrong, Denise. "Engaging difference and racial equity: What school leaders need to know and do." Teaching and Learning. (2012)

My main responsibility is to provide initial support for students, faculty and staff who are coming to the Accessible Learning Centre. This involves initiating the intake process with new students, managing the Accessible Learning Online system, responding to requests and questions, and providing support to the managers, academic consultants, learning strategies and technologists within the ALC.

I completed my Bachelor of Science in 2013 (Cape Breton University), and Bachelor of Education (Laurier) in 2014. Immediately after graduating, I was hired by the Faculty of Education to coordinate their enrichment programming (LEAP and LAUNCH) while also teaching within the WRDSB. As much as I enjoyed teaching, I recognized that I enjoyed working at Laurier more, and made a career-change to begin working full time at the university in 2018.

During my time at Laurier, I have worked with three different faculties, and six different departments! These varied roles have given me access to resources, connections and much needed perspective into the multitude of processes at the university-level. I am happy to be back in a student-focused role, and hope to be of assistance to you if you connect with us at the ALC!