Living the dream
Monique Allain’s life has been a whirlwind, but the University of New Brunswick graduate and PhD candidate wouldn’t change a thing. She says she’s living the dream.
In fact, the director of operations for UNB’s Health and Education Research Group (HERG) has just arrived in Toronto to work with the Canadian Olympic Committee – her “dream job,” she says.
“The position is manager of education, youth and community outreach, and it really is my dream job because it draws on a lot of the experiences I’ve had to date,” Allain said recently from her home in Fredericton as she packed her suitcases. “It’s exciting and the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Allain was born and raised in Fredericton where she graduated from UNB with a bachelor of education, majoring in physical education. She earned a diploma of advanced university studies in guidance and counselling in 1991 then moved on to get her master’s degree in science with a major in kinesiology.
An adventure-filled career
Her career path has taken her on many adventures. She was a teacher in the public school system for 15 years, served as director of the wellness branch for the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport, and was athletics director at UNB Saint John. Between her studies, Allain was also a consultant at the Department of Education and the secretariat for Sport, Recreation and Active Living.
“I coached several athletic teams throughout the province, including basketball for more than 20 years,” she said. “If I had to count, I’ve probably coached 70 teams or more throughout the province, including two Canada Games.”
Allain participated on Team Canada's Mission Staff at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, the 2011 Youth Commonwealth Games in Isle of Man, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
She was also involved with the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Australia, and the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens.
“I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot doing what I love,” she said. “I’ve helped youth train, I’ve work with coaches and athletes to eliminate distractions, and I’ve had opportunities to speak to athletes like Clara Hughes, Christine Sinclair, and Kyle Shewfelt. I’ve taken their stories and shared them to inspire and motivate kids – the next Olympians – to live healthy, active lifestyles and be the best that they can be.”
Chasing the dream
Allain has put all of her experience to good use; it helps with the research she does as part of UNB’s Health and Education Research group. Right now, she’s working on her PhD study called Chasing the Dream, which examines how Canadian high-performance athletes overcome unexpected challenges and the sources of strain that impact them both physically and mentally.
“Not only have I been able to apply my experience to my research, but I can take the research and now apply it in the world of sports. And all throughout, my family and my colleagues at UNB have been very supportive, which has made it easier for me to travel and make the kinds of career choices I have like this newest position with the Canadian Olympic Committee.”
Allain hopes her newest job with the Canadian Olympic Committee will help her as she finishes her PhD research. She’s been working on it for five years on a part-time basis, and will defend in the summer. Until then, she plans to enjoy every moment of her new job.
“We only live life once, as far as we know, so I’m living it to the fullest,” Allain said. “There are a lot of days where I pinch myself because I really am living the dream. I’m working with athletes I admire, I’m seeing Canadian pride every time I work at a major game, and I am studying, researching and doing what I’m passionate about.”
Contributed by Jennifer Gavin, UNB Communications & Marketing.
