I imagine a future for this community that is vibrant, caring, and safe – a place for us all to thrive. In speaking with residents, I hear that people want councillors who are responsible, community-oriented, pragmatic, and future-thinking. I want to get working on issues like the mill site and economic development, affordable housing, the opioid crisis, retaining our youth, public engagement, and good relations with Tla’amin Nation.
I currently sit on the board of the Powell River Community Foundation, and have volunteered at different times with the Powell River Garden Club, Texada Island Nonprofit Seniors Housing Society, and Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association. I was appointed to the City’s Community Finance Advisory Committee because of my interest in taxation and spending that meets community needs and interests. I co-led public engagement for the possible name change process.
My professional work is as a facilitator with community groups that need help doing strategic planning, implementing changes, or dealing with conflict. My experience means that I am a good listener, ask insightful questions, and can analyze complex information.
I’m originally from Salmon Arm, but my years in Powell River mean my roots will continue to grow here for decades more. I hold a MBA in community economic development, and an interest in community well-being is an ongoing theme in my life.
In my free time I hike, garden, work on my house, and do crossword puzzles. You might find me out and about walking around Westview, at the Library, or in one of our local thrift stores.
My experience
Work experience
- Self-employed facilitator for the past 11 years:
- I work with groups to gather input, resolve differences, and make decisions. My clients have included SFU Library, BC Civil Liberties Association, Powell River and District United Way, and City of Surrey.
- I co-facilitated public engagement for the Possible Name Change Joint Working Group
- Before owning my own business, I worked at YWCA Vancouver, SFU, and as a high school math and science teacher.
Local volunteer experience
- Current board member, Powell River Community Foundation
- Strategic planning support, Texada Island Nonprofit Seniors Housing Society
- Appointed to the City of Powell River Community Finance Advisory Committee*
- Program committee, Powell River Garden Club
- Nonprofit governance workshops facilitator, offered by First Credit Union and Vantage Point
- Primary Care Network Patient Advisory Committee member, qathet Divisions of Family Practice
- Patient representative, COVID testing committee
- Garden friend, Landed Learning (vegetable gardening and food preparation with local elementary school classes)
- Strategic planning support, Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association
Other local community involvement
- Performed in Theatre NOW!’s production of Savannah Sipping Society
- Donated my watercolour art to Friends of Stillwater Bluffs fundraiser at qathet Art Centre
Formal education
- MBA in community economic development from Cape Breton University
- Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement from SFU
- Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from UBC
Other related learning experiences
- Transformative Mediation
- Deep Democracy facilitation
Fun facts
- I used to be a moderator of the Jeopardy! subreddit
- I have fostered lots of cats, and successfully trained two of them to give high fives
*I ended up resigning from the Community Finance Advisory Committee (half the committee did). It was a frustrating experience and I have insight into how we can do better by members of the public.