I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario.  While I was always a strong student, I never truly felt like I belonged in the traditional school environment. As a result, when I was growing up I didn’t envision myself becoming a teacher. Over the years, I explored a variety of career paths, but none felt like the right fit. It wasn’t until I had children that I found a role that felt both purposeful and fulfilling—staying at home with them, supporting their growth, and becoming involved in their education.

In 2013, our family moved to Kamloops, where both of my children have attended school. I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering in their classrooms for special events and field trips: experiences that sparked my interest in becoming more involved in education. As my children grew older, I began volunteering regularly through the Come Read with Me program and later in a school library. Through these roles, I discovered how much I enjoy supporting students and contributing to their learning

Parenting has provided me with an exceptional foundation for teaching. It has strengthened my time management, organizational skills, and flexibility—especially when navigating ever-changing schedules, extracurricular commitments, and daily routines. My conflict resolution skills have evolved significantly as I’ve learned the importance of listening, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. Raising neurodiverse children has also equipped me with the insight and patience to anticipate and manage a range of behaviours with compassion and understanding.

As I’ve spent more time in schools, I’ve come to recognize how much both the education system and I have changed. Today’s focus on inclusivity and helping every student reach their full potential resonates deeply with me. I value an approach that celebrates students for who they are, rather than how well they perform on standardized tests. I believe all students deserve a learning environment where they feel safe, seen, and supported..

Beyond my experience and values, I bring a number of personal interests that I believe will enrich my teaching practice. Gardening, for example, became a meaningful hobby for me after stepping away from a brief legal career. It’s a hands-on way to teach students about growth, patience, healthy eating, and sustainability—and it lends itself to experiential learning in the classroom. Knitting is another passion I plan to incorporate into my teaching practice. Knitting has been shown to support student well-being, focus, and social interaction. I’ve created a slideshow about the benefits of a student knitting club, as well as a book designed to get children excited about learning how to knit.

I am an avid reader with a particular love for children’s and young adult literature. What began as a way to connect with my own children has become one of my favourite ways to engage with students. I find that discussing books opens up meaningful conversations, sparks curiosity, and helps build strong connections in the classroom.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my life experience, passions, and commitment to inclusive education into the classroom.I believe I can provide students with strong academic support while also fostering a caring, creative, and collaborative environment where every student can truly thrive.