Term: 1st
Ward: Devon
Educational Experience:
I currently hold a Psychology degree from the University of Alberta, and am an enthusiastic life-long learner. One of my guilty pleasures is reading research related to educational theory and practice.
Most recently, I completed the Brain Story Certification offered by the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative – a course that compiles comprehensive brain science research to provide a deeper understanding of brain development and how experiences shape brains, and the resulting consequences for life long health. The concept feeds well into education and into policy development, speaking to as a community, how we can most effectively support children and families for optimal development.
I have attended extensive Professional Development on Adult Education Training, Leadership Management, Active Communication, Employee Engagement, and Human Resource Management. I also completed the Leadership Edmonton program – a full year course focused on studying common patterns of humans in failure and success in order to thoroughly understand ourselves, and in relation how we can innovatively work together to successfully problem solve and apply leadership from a big picture perspective.
Family/Residential Information:
My husband, two young children (Black Gold students) and I live in Devon near the beautiful river valley. We are family passionate about learning and reading, and love to spend time outdoors.
What do you bring to the Board of Education table?
I strongly value the importance of education – both for our children and the community. I am passionate about fostering student well-being (both physical and mental health/wellness), nurturing a culture of inclusion and diversity, and cultivating resiliency in our children.
I am honoured to advocate on behalf of my community at the district level, and value the relationships and input from students, staff, and community members.
I am self-motivated, hard-working, and eager to use my experience, energy, and enthusiasm to serve and strengthen our education system and our community – for today, and for the future.
Having served on a number of boards, and spent many years working in senior management at a Crisis Centre, I honed many skills that support my work on the School Board, including budget management policy writing, critical thinking, problem solving, human resource management, active communication, strategic planning, grant writing, and meeting management.
What do you value most about Black Gold?
I truly value the culture of Black Gold – a family that is united in a goal of Inspiring Success for students and staff alike.
What are you most excited about this year?
Each year is an opportunity to build and grow on a solid foundation and take Black Gold to the next level. I am honoured to be working with a vibrant senior administration and board, and excited to continue engaging with local school councils and families in order to best meet the needs of our Black Gold students, staff, and families.
Extracurricular Interests:
Activities I enjoy to support my own health and well-being are yoga, cooking, reading, and digital scrapbooking.
