Catherine Louise (Casey) Ready ‘06, Ph.D. Canadian Studies, Vancouver, BC

“I have had opportunities to work closely with and learn from many wonderful professors and staff at Trent.” 

Dr. Casey Ready has completed her Ph.D. in Canadian Studies and is receiving the President’s Medal in the category of Doctor of Philosophy (social sciences and humanities).  The medal rewards academic excellence and achievement at the graduate studies level.

Dr. Ready is an accomplished and dedicated social services professional in her own right. While working toward her Ph.D. she was also the Executive Director of a community service agency, Community Counselling & Resource Centre in Peterborough.  She took a one-year unpaid leave of absence in 2010-2011 to work full-time on her research and dissertation.

In September 2012 she defended her dissertation. She then taught a Canadian Social Policy course in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Toronto. She has also taught courses in Gender and Women’s Studies and Canadian Studies at Trent.   Currently, she is working with UBC Press to publish her dissertation research. While at Trent she was involved in several groups including Trent’s Frost Centre for Canadian Studies.

Her research interests include:  poverty, gendered poverty, violence against women, housing and homelessness, the social welfare state, the non-profit sector, neoliberalism, feminism, social justice and community engagement.
 As a mature student, Casey had the unique pleasure of being at Trent at the same time as her children were studying there.  Her son graduated two years ago and she shares the same convocation date as her daughter. It was fun and rewarding for her to be greeted with “Hi, Mom!” on campus!

About winning the President’s Medal for Doctor of Philosophy (social sciences and humanities):
I was surprised and felt honoured to learn that I was receiving this medal. I worked alongside many excellent, dedicated students who I know could equally deserve this recognition.  I am pleased to receive this award as a tribute to the 41 women who contributed their stories and experiences to my research and as a reflection of the value of this research to Canadian social policy.  Even more so, this award highlights the outstanding support and guidance I received from my academic advisors and mentors.

What will you do with your Trent degree?
I am continuing as Executive Director of Community Counselling & Resource Centre and am also teaching on a part-time basis.

Why did you choose Trent?
I became interested in my field of study as I worked in the non-profit sector during the 1990s and witnessed the devastating effects of cuts in social assistance rates and cuts in funding for community services. I was aware of efforts to silence voices of dissent against these cuts and of the value and importance of people continuing to speak out against them.

I was drawn to my studies after hearing Trent Professor, Jim Struthers, speak on the negative impact of reduced and tightened social assistance policies.  Dr. Struthers placed these issues in an historical context and eloquently challenged directions that were presented as common sense.

While I held an MSW in social policy and had worked extensively in the social services field, I wanted to learn more about the dramatic changes occurring at that time and how I could be more effective in speaking out on their impact. I spoke with Dr. Struthers about this and was delighted to learn about the options to study these topics through Trent’s Frost Centre for Canadian Studies Ph.D. program.

Have you changed since you came to Trent?
Absolutely: in many ways. One that comes to mind is the strengthening of my belief that social change is possible.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
I have had opportunities to work closely with and learn from many wonderful professors and staff at Trent.  To name just a few, Jim Struthers, Marg Hobbs, Deborah White, Julia Harrison and Cathy Schoel.

From my initial meeting and throughout my studies, my dissertation supervisor, Dr. Jim Struthers, has inspired and challenged me, deepened my understanding of social policy theory and practice, and strengthened my skills in research and writing. It is a privilege and honour to work with such a leader in Canadian social policy!

What was the best thing about studying at Trent?
Working with and learning from so many people including faculty, students and staff who are knowledgeable about and committed to social justice.

Research Interests / Area of Study:
My dissertation addresses the impact of neoliberal policies and funding cuts on the feminist work of three non-profit women’s organizations in Ontario.  I began this research to study how government policies affected women living in poverty and how these policies impacted services in the non-profit sector.

As I engaged with this research, I shifted to examine how these issues changed or stayed the same as a new government came to power and to focus on violence against women shelter services.

Extracurricular activities:
I loved being involved with Trent and having opportunities to engage with a number of groups. In particular, I enjoyed being a co-founder of the Suds and Speakers’ Series, participating as a student representative on the Frost Centre Board, attending a student retreat at Windy Pine, assisting in organizing a Trent-Carleton Canadian Studies student conference and being involved with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Frost Centre Canadian Studies program.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
Research support provided by:

• Dean’s Ph.D. and Research Fellowship Grants
• The Symons Trust Fund
• The Shelagh Grant Endowment Fund
• The Frost Centre Research Grants for Graduate Studies