bring years of experience in arts leadership, as an entrepreneur, and in post-secondary administration. I also have a lot of experience working with boards, both as an employee reporting to the board, and as a volunteer board member in a number of capacities, including school councils when my kids were little. I’ve developed a keen understanding of board dynamics and see the perspective from both sides of the table, which will help me perform well as a trustee.
When both my children were diagnosed with celiac disease 16 years ago, there were few options. Being resourceful and committed to the health and safety of my kids, I started a small specialty store. It began as bi-weekly delivery, but it grew to include a store front, weekly local deliver and cross Canada shipping. I understand what it means to run a business, build resources and make things happen.
My years as the Operations and Production Director for Wordfest further honed my understanding of budgets, and business operations. These skills will be critical for providing good oversight and properly advocating for the CBE and all its staff and students.
Some of my favourite moments each week are teaching drama at a local children’s theatre. Working with kids aged 6 – 17, helping them build shows and grow confidence. I love supporting the growth of our next generation.
I believe my range of experience and strategic thinking, combined with a deep passion for education and community – uniquely position me to make an impact within the CBE.
Both my children graduated from CBE schools. My son from William Aberheart in the French immersion program and my daughter from Central Memorial High School in the dance program. He is now finishing up his commercial pilots license and she is at the University of Calgary. I have seen firsthand the benefits of having a passionate teacher engage with your child.
Statement of beliefs
Strong public education is the backbone of a thriving community, and strong communities are essential for building a better world.
Public funds should fund public education, and everyone should have access. I believe inclusive education means every student is able to learn in a way that is best for them.
Children are the future. It’s a cliche because it’s true, and we need to support every student so they can reach their potential.
But we also need to recognize that some students have an inherently harder path to get to that potential. It is absolutely the role of public schools and the school board to support every student.
Education becomes meaningful when a student recognizes a spark in themselves. Teachers are there to support these sparks, but that requires support, less crowding in classrooms, and a safe space for everyone. We should all be working to provide students and teachers with more opportunities, more resources, and more growth. That is how we help today’s students become the strong adults of tomorrow.
Priority areas
Appropriate Funding: Fierce advocacy to get Alberta funding on par with the rest of Canada.
Classroom Size: Decreasing class size will impact so many areas of stress for students and teachers.
Clear Communication: Teachers and parents need a school board that is open and available.
Views on funding
Teachers, students, parents, and all community members deserve a powerful advocate for increased funding. With rising enrolment, inflation, and political and economic uncertainty, now is the time for action.
A key part of the job of trustee is being in constant communication with MLAs, councillors, and as many decision-makers as possible. Making sure they are hearing the need and feeling the pressure. I promise to be a loud voice for this cause.
Trustees hold that critical role of oversight on funding decisions. This must be done well, with both compassion and empathy. Trustees must care deeply for the success of students and teachers, and they need to listen well.
Having the lowest funding in Canada is unacceptable. Public education exists to provide equitable access to education for everyone. Taxpayer dollars should go to providing high quality PUBLIC education.
How learning conditions can be improved
Schools are an interconnected ecosystem with a lot of variables and moving parts. This is a complex question. There are areas that could be quick wins, and others that will take years to implement.
That said, reducing classroom size and increasing EA supports would have an immediate positive impact on learning conditions.
Teachers need the time to work with students as a whole, and work with them individually. This focused time is almost impossible in classrooms that are bursting with students. It is unfair, unsafe, and unproductive to allow this to continue.
How trustees and school boards can best support teachers
Advocacy for better funding is the best way school boards can support teachers. Teachers are asking for better working conditions for themselves and their students. This must be addressed with an increase in funding.
Teacher’s working conditions are student’s learning conditions. Both deserve those conditions to be safe, respected, and effective. I promise to be open and available to everyone who requests my time, and that includes teachers. Teachers, CBE admin, parents, and school boards should see themselves on the same team, working towards the same goal. We all want strong public education, positive student outcomes, and thriving schools.
Views on the new K-6 curriculum
Curriculum should be created by education experts, with the extensive consultation of teachers and subject matter experts. It is complex topic and should not be rushed.
I am as disappointed as anyone with the recent curriculum. Everything I have heard from teachers, parents and the Support our Schools advocacy group, is that the curriculum is not age appropriate and that the implementation speed is out of line with best practices.
When entire groups of educators speak about a problem, politicians and administrators need to listen. I will advocate for greater inclusion of teachers in all stages of development for any new curriculum.