I was born in Burlington, at Joseph Brant Hospital, and attended Rolling Meadows Public School, and M. M. Robinson High School where I graduated as an Ontario Scholar.

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Volunteerism was always a big part of my life. My first opportunity was as a young teenager when I volunteered at Joseph Brant Hospital for two years. I also helped teach swimming lessons at Angela Coughlan Pool during those years.

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When I moved away to attend university, I started volunteering at the local crisis hotline. We were trained to respond to a wide variety of calls. The hotline was in operation from 7pm to 7am every day of the year. I learned a lot about empathy and equity during those years, and volunteering for the hotline helped shape who I am today.

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During my fourth year of university I was a Big Sister to a young girl who had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This was the first time I had ever worked with someone who had special needs. It opened my eyes to the limitations of what the public school system could offer. I am very heartened to know how far we have come from those days. And there is still more to be done.

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Shortly after marrying my husband, Kevin, we moved back to Burlington. We have lived in Ward 5 for over 18 years. Our sons attended both Orchard Park and Alexander's Public Schools. I volunteered in their schools, and was a lunchtime supervisor for several years. I was also on their School Councils, serving many roles including Chair.

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Before becoming a Trustee I volunteered on the HDSB's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for four years. I was elected as Chair by the SEAC members three times. During my time as Chair, I encouraged association members to give presentations so that all members could learn more about each exceptionality, thereby enabling us to make better recommendations to the board.

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I also volunteered to be on the HDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) for several years before becoming a Trustee, and I served as Chair of the very first PIC Conference. This conference has become an annual event providing parents with a wide range of workshops delivered by engaging speakers.

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I am very active in my church and volunteered for many years at our summer camp and Christmas Market. I also assist with communion during our Sunday worship services. I have been a member of Parish Council for many years, and am currently one of the churchwardens. Open Doors of St. Christopher's does a lot of community outreach providing fresh food, hot meals, free clothing and much more to families in need.