Shad McMaster

Program Directors

Kingsley Hurlington, PhD

Secondary School Administrator

Kingsley Hurlington (he/him) has been involved with Shad since 2006.  Teaching is his passion and this is realized in his broad range of experience working with learners from kindergarten to university for over 20 years. He has a passion for teaching and for working with teens and both are focuses of his academic research. Along with his ongoing work running a mentorship support program, Kingsley has also authored several textbooks and constructed educational programs used by schools across Canada.

With a broad academic background, Kingsley completed a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Geography. This led to work in the area of computerized mapping and analysis using geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing resulting in two additional degrees in the area (including a MES from the University of Waterloo). This work in geotechnology has afforded many opportunities to collaborate widely with teachers.  His doctoral degree is in Canadian Studies.

Kingsley is a teacher in every sense of the word. Currently, he works as an administrator with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board putting into practice his knowledge of education, mentoring and resilience.  Through his academic work, he hopes to better understand the resilience and mental health of Canadian teens (with a focus on rural teens). He resides in Peterborough, Ontario but dreams of traveling to every nook and cranny of Canada.

Ruth MacSween

Educator

Ruth (she/her) has been a part of Shad since 2008 and has experienced three different Shad programs over the years. She began as a program manager and continues to serve in the role as Assistant Program Director for the Shad McMaster program.

Currently, Ruth is a guidance counsellor with the York Region District School Board. Ruth has a wealth of experience in both business and education. She has degrees in education from Ryerson University and the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Education: Counselling Psychology from OISE, U of T. 

As a former chair of the Ontario-wide White Pine Reading Program, Ruth recognizes the value of literature reading up to 60 books a year for the program. Making good use of her sense of humour, Ruth takes an active interest in mental health issues and the promotion of wellness.