Grace Achieng had been working as a registered nurse in Kisumu for seven years when she first learned about developmental services. Intrigued by the person-centered approach and the opportunity to work in Canada, she applied to the Athari program. Today, she’s thriving in her new career at a Toronto residential facility, using her nursing background in unexpected and rewarding ways.

A Career Shift

“People ask me why I would leave nursing to become a developmental service worker,” Grace says with a smile. “But to me, it’s not leaving – it’s expanding. I still use my healthcare knowledge every day, but now I’m supporting people holistically in living their best lives, not just treating illnesses.”

Grace’s journey with Athari began in May 2025 when a former colleague shared information about the program. Initially hesitant about moving abroad, Grace was drawn to the program’s ethical approach and the guarantee of supported migration.

Training That Built on Experience

The 4-month training program at KISWCD allowed Grace to leverage her nursing background while learning an entirely new approach to care. “In nursing, I was trained to identify problems and fix them,” she explains. “In developmental services, I learned that my role is to support people in pursuing their goals and dreams, using my healthcare knowledge when needed but always keeping the person at the center.”

Grace particularly valued the training on positive behavior support, communication strategies, and rights-based approaches. “These concepts were eye-opening,” she shares. “I realized that even with my years of nursing experience, I had a lot to learn about truly person-centered care.”

Internship Insights

Grace’s 2-month internship was at a day program for adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Kisumu. Working alongside experienced staff, she supported individuals in various activities – from art programs to life skills training to physiotherapy sessions.

“What struck me most was the joy and dignity in that environment,” Grace reflects. “People weren’t seen as patients to be cared for, but as individuals with preferences, talents, and aspirations. One woman I supported was an incredible painter. In a medical model, we might have focused on her limitations. Here, we celebrated her abilities.”

Healthcare Meets Social Care

Grace’s nursing background became a significant asset during the employer matching process. She was placed with Haven Residential Services, a Toronto organization supporting individuals with complex medical and developmental needs. Her role combines developmental service work with healthcare support.

“My typical day involves supporting daily living activities, facilitating community outings, and implementing behavior support plans,” Grace explains. “But I also monitor health conditions, administer medications, liaise with healthcare providers, and train other staff on health-related protocols. My nursing experience is invaluable, but I use it within a person-centered, empowerment-focused framework.”

Bridging Two Worlds

Grace arrived in Toronto in November 2025, leaving behind her two children (ages 12 and 15) with her mother. While the separation was difficult, she’s focused on the long-term benefits for her family.

“The hardest part was saying goodbye to my children,” Grace admits. “But I explain to them that I’m building a future for our family. I video call them every morning and evening. They’re proud of me, and I’m working toward bringing them here once I establish permanent residency.”

Cultural Adjustments

Transitioning from Kenya to Canada came with its challenges. “The cold weather was shocking,” Grace laughs. “But more than that, I had to adjust to a very different healthcare system, workplace culture, and way of life. Everything from grocery shopping to banking to transportation required learning.”

What helped most was the support from fellow Athari graduates and her employer’s understanding approach. “My employer gave me time to adjust,” Grace says. “They understood that I was navigating not just a new job but a new country, and they provided support accordingly.”

Professional Recognition

In her four months in Canada, Grace has already made significant contributions to her organization. She developed a health monitoring protocol that other staff use, led training sessions on infection prevention and control, and served as the point person for healthcare coordination for several individuals with complex needs.

“What I love about this field is that my expertise is valued and utilized, but always in service of the individuals we support,” Grace says. “I’m not making decisions for people – I’m providing healthcare information and support so they can make informed decisions about their own health.”

Building Community

Outside of work, Grace has connected with other Kenyan professionals in Toronto and joined a local church with a strong East African community. She’s also pursuing her goal of registering as a nurse in Ontario, which would give her additional career flexibility in the future.

“I initially thought I was leaving nursing behind,” Grace reflects. “But I’ve realized I’m actually expanding my practice. I can always return to traditional nursing if I choose, but right now, I’m exactly where I want to be – using my healthcare knowledge in a role that’s about empowerment, not just treatment.”

Financial Impact

The financial opportunity has been transformative for Grace’s family. She earns CAD 48,000 annually – nearly four times what she earned as a nurse in Kenya. After her living expenses, she sends CAD 1,000 monthly to support her children and mother.

“My children are now in a better school, we’ve made home improvements, and I’m saving for their university education,” Grace shares. “My mother, who took care of me, is now being cared for in her retirement. That alone makes every sacrifice worth it.”

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

When asked what advice she’d give healthcare professionals considering the Athari program, Grace offers several insights:

“First, be open to a different care philosophy. This isn’t medical care – it’s social care with a health component. Second, recognize that your healthcare background is an asset, but approach the work with humility and willingness to learn. Third, be prepared for culture shock – Canada is wonderful, but it’s very different from home. Finally, have a strong why. Know why you’re doing this, and let that motivate you through challenges.”

Future Plans

Grace is pursuing her Ontario nursing registration while continuing her developmental service work. Her goal is to eventually work in community health nursing with a focus on supporting people with developmental disabilities – a niche that combines both her passions.

“In five years, I see myself as a bridge between healthcare and developmental services,” Grace envisions. “There’s so much need for healthcare professionals who understand person-centered, rights-based approaches. I want to help transform how healthcare serves people with disabilities.”

A Message to Her Children

“I tell my children that I’m not just working for money – I’m working to show them what’s possible,” Grace concludes. “I want them to see that with education, determination, and courage to take opportunities, they can build any future they dream of. And when they join me here, they’ll have opportunities I could only imagine when I was their age.”

Grace’s story illustrates how the Athari program creates pathways for skilled professionals to apply their expertise in new contexts, benefit their families, and contribute to addressing critical needs in Canada – all while maintaining the highest ethical standards and person-centered values.