Catholic Board Hires New Student Success Coach

Indigenous students in local Catholic schools are receiving additional support after the board hired Fawne Lomascolo as the Indigenous Success Coach for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

“The focus is on academics, but also providing life skills and coping mechanisms to help Indigenous students thrive in all aspects of life,” said Lomascolo, who most recently was working as a social worker supporting families and students in Calgary, Alberta. “I really enjoy the one-on-one aspect with students, empowering them, making them feel safe and heard.”

A graduate of the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education, Lomascolo is also a member of the Red River Métis Nation in Manitoba.

Lomascolo said her goal will be to help Indigenous students find success beyond graduating. Specific roles in her new position will include mentorship and goal-building; supporting course credit and community services accumulation; navigation into secondary to post-secondary life; increasing student well-being; addressing barriers and gaps; promoting school engagement and developing leadership skills; and empowering students to advocate for themselves.

“It felt like I was going full circle,” said Lomascolo, who spent time working in the Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre while attending the University of Windsor. “While I have learned and grown so much during my time away, I am grateful to be back in Windsor and to be able to continue to do the work I love. I pride myself on making connections and creating space for others to be seen and heard. I am an advocate for the people who I support and always encourage them to advocate for themselves. I am excited to start in this position and reconnect with this community and continue to grow.”