Shelby Saunders
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Health Psychology (2020)
After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology in 2020, Shelby continued her academic journey by pursuing a Master of Education at the University of Ottawa, continuing her commitment to supporting health and well-being through education.
“I would encourage students to embrace discomfort and give yourself permission to explore. Ask questions others questions, seek out new experiences, and be willing to change direction as you learn more about yourself. Curiosity can open doors you didn’t know existed, and confidence often comes not from having all the answers, but from trusting that you can navigate whatever comes next.
Growth rarely happens when we stay within our comfort zones. Whether it’s applying for a role you don’t feel fully qualified for, taking on a new responsibility, speaking up in a meeting, or pursuing further education, some of the most rewarding opportunities can also be the most intimidating. You are capable of doing hard things, and often the experiences that challenge you the most are the ones that help you grow the most.”
Brief description of what I do!
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Health Psychology from Carleton University in 2020, I recently completed my Master of Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning at University of Ottawa in Spring 2026.
I currently work as an Employee Onboarding & Development Specialist with TPH Plumbing and Heating, where I support employee learning, onboarding, and professional development initiatives as part of the Human Resources team. Prior to this role, I worked as a Learning & Development Specialist for a large grocery retailer. Both of these roles involve helping design and deliver training programs that support operational excellence and employee success.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
I graduated at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to continue working full-time at the grocery store where I had been employed throughout my studies. At just 21 years old, I was promoted to Department Manager, a role that became foundational in shaping my career path.
As a manager, I quickly learned that employees are at the heart of every successful operation. Building a positive team culture and creating a strong employee experience were critical to achieving results. While navigating difficult conversations was sometimes challenging, I found that I genuinely enjoyed connecting with employees, understanding their unique needs, and helping them succeed. I discovered that I had a natural ability to make people feel comfortable opening up and to provide a safe space for reflection and growth.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My psychology degree provided me with a strong foundation for understanding human behaviour, motivation, communication, and performance. Throughout the program, I became increasingly interested in how individual experiences, personalities, and environments influence the way people think, learn, and perform. This perspective has been invaluable throughout my career in employee onboarding, training, and development.
One of the most important lessons I gained from psychology is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. People bring different backgrounds, experiences, strengths, and challenges to every environment. Whether I am supporting a new employee entering the workforce, an experienced professional learning a new process, or a leader transitioning into a management role, I strive to understand their unique needs and adapt my approach accordingly.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
I truly value three courses that I took at Carleton, I think they gave me a lot of perspective into lives that are different than mine. The first being Sport & Performance Psychology, and the last two were fourth year seminar courses: Psychology Diversity, and Treatment of Addictions. These three classes taught me how to understand performance, how individual experiences drive motivation, desire, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. They taught me that there is no one way to succeed, and that the unique experiences we have should be valued. These skills were the result of these courses. I also believe that they supported me a lot in my work, as they taught me how to work and communicate with others much different than me. I learned empathy, patience, and gratitude.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
The highlight of my career has been building meaningful connections with employees and supporting them through their onboarding and learning journeys. I’ve had the opportunity to design and improve training programs that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and engagement—such as multilingual resources and assistive supports for diverse learners. I measure success not just by outcomes, but by how employees feel: welcomed, represented, and confident. Creating learning environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and safe to grow is what motivates my passion for learning and development.