L. E. Reinsborough School, New Brunswick – Melanie Arseneault, Behavior Intervention Mentor (BIM) at L. E. Reinsborough (LER) School, is making waves with her contributions to the Walk in My Shoes program, an initiative focused on teaching empathy and inclusivity in the classroom.
As the only Canadian school licensed to offer the program, LER is proud to have Arseneault play a leading role. She completed online training with the program’s founder, Margaret Weiss, and is now a certified facilitator. In addition to teaching lessons from the Inclusive Schools curriculum, Arseneault has contributed new lessons to the upcoming Accessible Worlds K-2 program, which addresses topics like mobility challenges, communication, and the role of service animals.
Arseneault has also been granted early access to deliver the K-2 program to students before its official U.S. release. Her efforts are already making a significant impact, helping students understand the challenges faced by those with ADHD, autism, visual impairments, fine and gross motor coordination, and other topic areas that enable the students to learn that awareness and empathy are the stepping stones to creating a more understanding, inclusive world.
By June 2025, the goal is for all LER students to participate in Walk in My Shoes lessons, strengthening the school’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Arseneault’s work is shaping a more compassionate, inclusive future for all students at LER.