RVS trustees bring a range of experience and perspectives to their role. Learn more about the things that inspire them and some fun facts.
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I listen a lot, taking time to reflect and really ponder what I hear. I enjoy connecting with people — hearing their perspectives, experiences and ideas – and learning about different ways of approaching challenges. Whether it’s through conversation, reading or observing how others do things, I look for opportunities to broaden my understanding and think about how those insights might apply to my own work and life. For me, learning is both intentional and ongoing, and it often comes from the people and experiences around me.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Honestly, I don’t remember a “favourite subject” as it was a long time ago! I loved playing violin in the orchestra and being involved in sports and activities. Looking back, I’d say band and leadership were my favourites, even if they weren't called that back in the 1980s!
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
I’ve managed Cochrane’s local movie theatre for the past 16 years, so I’ve seen a lot of movies! It’s impossible to pick a single favourite, but I’m drawn to films that make you think and leave you feeling good. What I love most about the movie experience is how it allows you to escape for a while and immerse yourself in a different world, with new perspectives and experiences. You can set your own troubles aside and live through someone else’s challenges and triumphs, and there’s something compelling about that.
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Cats
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Revisit a favourite
Want to get in touch?
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I am committed to ongoing learning as an individual and in my role as a trustee. I create goals for myself annually to engage in professional learning, I lead others in learning when the opportunity arises and I make it a mission to say 'yes' to the opportunities that come my way, especially ones that push me outside of my comfort zone (where I have the most to learn).
What was your favourite subject in school?
Art class was and continues to be my favourite subject. Growing up I was most excited when school projects allowed me to be creative. As a trustee, one of my favourite things about visiting our schools is getting to see all of the art that students have created.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
My favourite television show is Little House on the Prairie. My family has grown accustomed to me referencing stories and content from Little House at every chance I can. While the setting (1870-1890) is often considered a simpler time, I find myself regularly considering the hardships that were endured in the late 1800s and what we have to learn from those realities and the systems that we have built up since.
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Cats
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Mountains or beach? Beach
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city
Want to get in touch?
By email or by phone. I also encourage people to connect with me at school council meetings.
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I am currently pursuing a masters degree in International Policy and hope to graduate in 2027. I also read a lot.
What was your favourite subject in school?
History, particularly British history and the Plantagenets. I enjoyed learning about these kings and queens in school and still do.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
Pride and Prejudice – the book and the 2005 movie with Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen and Carey Mulligan. The book is beautifully written, painting a picture of women carving out what independence they could and finding love where they could in an era where their rights were nonexistent.
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Tea
Beach or mountains? Beach
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city
Want to get in touch?
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
Day to day, I am very intentional with where I put my awareness. I believe life is one of our greatest teachers, and so not only do I work on my habits through typical activities such reading and writing, I also aim to be aware that through self-reflection, our relationships and our day-to-day living, there are endless lessons to be learnt, if you are aware of their presence.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Psychology
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
It's a Wonderful Life. One of my favourite movies, it has deeper lessons about love, gratitude and life intertwined with a heartfelt storyline. I feel as though it is one of those movies that can bring you back to a centred state, reminding you of what is truly important in life. It reminds me of a saying I always try to keep in mind: "See the bigger picture, but appreciate the little things."
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Tea
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Revisit a favourite
Want to get in touch?
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
Keeping up to date on what’s happening at the provincial level concerning education.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Chemistry, with Law a close second.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
The Princess Bride. I don’t know about meaningful but it’s pure escapism. (Flame Spurts, Lightning Sand, and ROUSes)
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Cats
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city
Want to get in touch?
Every way possible: phone, email, or just the local grocery store.
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I love reading, especially about history, and really enjoy learning new skills
What was your favourite subject in school?
Science, especially chemistry.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
The original Jurassic Park is special to me as I have great memories of seeing it with my family when I was a kid at a drive-in theatre double feature, and then got to make great new memories when first watching it with my own kids. Dinosaurs are awesome.
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Cats
Coffee or tea? Tea
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city
Want to get in touch?
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I try to build learning into the rhythm of my everyday life. I read a lot, and with the size of my ward and all the driving I do, I’ve started using that time to listen to audiobooks and documentaries. It keeps me learning on the go and helps me stay curious and informed.
What was your favourite subject in school?
My favourite subject in school was foods class. It still makes me laugh because I hardly cook now, but I loved being in that classroom and learning hands‑on.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
I don’t really have one favourite book or movie – I enjoy a wide range of stories. I’m pretty open to most genres, and I love both reading and watching movies. For me, it’s less about a single title and more about the experience of getting lost in a good story, learning something new or just having a moment to unwind.
This or That!
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Beach or mountains? Beach
Early bird or night owl? Night Owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city.
Want to get in touch?
Send me an email
How do you incorporate learning into your life?
I have continually taken courses and learning opportunities over the past few years. The position of trustee is very new, and I look forward to finding courses that will enhance my knowledge and abilities.
What was your favourite subject in school?
As a young student in school, I did not have a favourite subject. Once in the social work program at Mount Royal College, I realized how important understanding relationships, human interactions and community development were, and that is when I got excited about learning.
Do you have a favourite book or movie, or one that has been meaningful in your life? What makes it your favourite or meaningful?
My favourite shows and books have been by Oprah Winfrey. I have followed and learned from her for over 25 years.
This or That!
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction
Explore a new city or revisit a favourite? Explore a new city
