Meet the trainer: Nina Laitala
What's your role at ICDA?
I’m the training lead at ICDA. I coordinate the trainers delivering ICDA’s external training in the community and the development of new courses, tools and resources.
What’s your involvement in the community sector?
I’ve been involved in the community sector for many years. Firstly, as a community musician and educator working with children and families to write songs that promote bonding, then as a program manager in the community arts and education sectors. Before starting at ICDA, I was the CEO for Victorian Student Representative Council and led the organisation through incorporation, including establishing the unique governance model of students and adults working in partnership.
I’ve also sat on a number of community boards and held the roles of secretary and president (by accident).
What’s your teaching style?
My teaching style is adaptable as I believe teaching is facilitating the knowledge, experience, and interest already in the room and building on that with my understanding. I always like to throw some humour into the sessions and regularly check in to make sure everyone is engaging with the content.
![Nina](https://ourcomm-craft.s3.amazonaws.com/general/_banner/Nina.jpg)
How do you like to be taught?
I like to be taught with practical examples so that I can immediately relate theory to real life. I also like to be taught with respect and empathy. Everyone learns differently and it’s important to remember that.
If you weren’t a trainer, what would you like to be?
A forensic pathologist… but definitely don’t have the time, energy, or money to go back to school to study for that.