I have been part of the Lethbridge community for 20 years. Over this time I have served the Lakeview School Council for three years, two as Chair, worked as a Therapeutic Parent and Youth Worker for McMan Youth and Family Services alongside Indigenous teens with FASD, taught preschool for seven years and volunteered as a junior and senior high Youth Leader for 13 years.

I have two children in the public school system. I believe in public education and as a trustee, I will use my voice and experience in the decisions made that will impact the front lines of the classrooms and raise our students to become successful, independent adults.

Communication and advocacy are my strengths. I build relationships well, see the big picture, and engage challenging conversations with openness, respect and objectivity. Every child, every family, and every staff member matters. It is an honour to serve as your trustee.

I started on the School Board because I believe children are best served by a variety of ideas and viewpoints in the decision-making process. I firmly believe I bring a unique perspective, given that I come from a business background, not simply moving from one area of education to another. I think that diversity in a Board is important and necessary.   

Schools should have a community perspective and a division that reflects local priorities, values, and expectations. Staff and community need to have a voice as they are the most connected to the students and best understand the opportunities and limitations being faced. 

My belief is that education is about experience and engagement, not information. Children these days are not disinterested, instead they are disengaged. Kids learn best when they are connected, interested, and feel safe to be themselves. That is how they grow and develop as individuals, not by memorizing information, theory, or formulas. Kids need to have good experiences at school and if they do, the learning and individual growth comes naturally. Quality teaching and support staff provide the connection to meet students where they are and bring out the best in individual ability.