A Little History

Raised in southern Ontario in the small town of Port Dover, I went on to live in Ottawa where I studied Journalism and started my family. Preferring small-town life I moved back to my hometown where I now live.

Along with raising three children and working as a freelance journalist for many years I also worked in the family painting and Janitorial business and had many part-time jobs to supplement the family income.  Later I also worked as a freelance writer for several area newspapers.  

In 1997 after long experience as a volunteer with Telecare, I entered the mental health field.  Mental health advocacy soon became my passion. In 2014 I left full-time work in the field but continue to work as a contract trainer in mental health peer support.  Since then I have been pursuing my goals for ministry, spiritual direction and coaching.

A versatile and well-rounded person I have always been interested in volunteer work in a variety of venues including church and museums. I adapt easily to new environments. With a broad experience on boards including the chair to the City of Nanticoke Museum Board and Director of the local chapter of Telecare, a crisis telephone line, I also served on the board of the local United Way. At United Way, I took over as their Executive Director for a short period to cover a leave.

Committed to lifelong learning, I am always eager to learn new things and share new opportunities for growth and healing. An engaging teacher, I take great pleasure in empowering people to embrace life's journey.   

One of the most significant accomplishments in my career in Mental Health was the development of training programs for peer support. I was involved with provincial studies in the field and have been a leader and trainer throughout Ontario since 2000.

I have also become an advocate and resource for suicide intervention and suicide bereavement working on a volunteer basis, speaking to groups throughout the province and beyond and offering one on one support to people in crisis, to families of those who are suicidal and those bereaved by suicide.  

Always looking for natural healing modalities, I have recently become involved with essential oils and am happy to share my story about oils with others who want to reduce toxins and increase their health in natural ways.

I now live in a serene country setting on the outskirts of Port Dover, where I can walk in the woods or sit on the patio and be blessed by the sounds and sights of nature.  

While being involved and busy in the community is important to me, my favourite pastime remains spending time with friends and family including grandchildren, Hope, River and Leo.