It is really important to me that I spend my time making this world a better place for as many people as I am able. I have lived in Stratford for a total of 16 years, and taught in and around Stratford for 26 years.

As a veteran elementary teacher, I continually work to foster effective learning environments, solve immediate, evolving and complex problems, build inclusive, equitable, respectful and safe communities. Planning long-term learning is much like developing city master plans, by knowing the desired outcomes, attributing the resources needed, and prioritizing those steps that will bring us to the desired goal. Working with others to carry out plans and reach goals and listening to and value stakeholders to gain all necessary perspectives and concerns on issues.

I have over 20 years of high level, elite coaching experience. This has involved extremely specific planning, significant personal development and learning, in addition to being able to bring out the best outcomes when needed, be it at practices, or national competitions. I develop high level athletes with mental strength to match their physical prowess that can perform on provincial and national stages. Continually dealing with minutia of technical skills and cues and building a detailed thorough understanding of the problems facing us are key to successful coaching. Lastly, coaching, like teaching, are about people. That is what I do every day of my life. Put people first.

My political career formally began in 2022 with my first campaign for Councillor in Stratford, but I have been learning about our political landscape and societal issues from a very young age. In 2022, my campaign reached and resonated with a lot of families. Most had never heard of me before, as I work in the background, lifting others up, rather than put myself at the centre of the action or pictures of recognition. Regardless, I was able to inspire many in this city to the end that I narrowly missed a council seat, less than 100 votes away in fact. In 2025 I tackled the issues facing families across Ontario in my GPO candidacy for Perth-Wellington. These experiences have given me the opportunity to connect with residents across Stratford and hear directly about the issues and concerns they have! That’s what politics and being on Stratford City Council is about. The people! Too many politicians have forgotten this, and it is time to put citizens back at the centre of our democracy in Stratford.

I have spent so much of my personal time volunteering to the people and places that are important to me. In 2022 I began a two year term as Chair of the City of Stratford’s Energy & Environment Citizen Advisory Committee. I also joined the Active Transportation Advisory Committee and was appointed vice-chair. I spent three years as the president of the St Marys Curling Club, navigating the club through Covid shutdown. I am also the past president of the Stratford Sabrecats Track Club, a role I held from inception in 2018 until this current year, a total of 8 years in that role. I served 2 years on my Avon Maitland ETFO executive as a member-at-large. In addition, I was appointed to the ETFO Provincial Standing Committee on the Environment. Coaching has taken me to the University of Waterloo and now to the University of Guelph as an assistant throws coach on the Varsity Track and Field Team. I am the Head Coach of the Stratford Sabrecats Track Club. Lastly, I am the Zone 3 Head Track Coach for the 2026 Ontario Summer Games.