Ward 6 Trustee

I grew up on a farm near Morris and am a proud graduate of Morris School. In 1992, I married and moved just six miles down the road to my husband's farm in Ste. Elisabeth, where we continue to farm and reside today. Together, we have four amazing daughters, all of whom attended Morris School. Ivory is a doctor completing her residency at Boundary Trails Hospital, Hillary is in her final year at CMU finishing a Psychology degree, Ginger is in her first year at CMU studying Literature, and our youngest, Taylor, is currently in Grade 11.

I cherish the peace, calm, and privacy of farm life, which allows me to pursue one of my greatest passions-gardening. I often describe gardening as my therapy, and with a large garden, I suppose I need plenty of it! I have a deep interest in natural and herbal medicine and feel fortunate to have the space to grow a variety of herbs, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and plants. I live by the Golden Rule: Faith first, Family second, Career third.

My career has always aligned with one of my greatest joys-working with children. For the past 35 years, I have taught private piano, singing, and music theory lessons to students ranging from ages 3 to 75. I've had the privilege of teaching in several rural schools, including St. Jean School, Roseau Valley School, and Morris School. Music has always been my heartbeat, shaping much of my life. Over the years, I've conducted children's musicals, choirs, and ensembles and have been actively involved in Worship Ministry and Sunday School at my church. I also coordinated the Youth Talent Competition at the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition for over 15 years. Additionally, I've been a parent volunteer at Morris School since 2004 and currently serve as a member of the Morris School Parent Advisory Council (PAC).

In 2018, I became a casual Educational Assistant (EA) with RRVSD, a role I thoroughly enjoyed-primarily working at École St. Malo, where I even picked up a little French! After the COVID lockdown, I took a term EA position at Morris School. The challenges of that time, especially the emotional struggles some students faced, reinforced my desire to be a calm and joyful presence for both students and staff. My goal each day was simple: to make it a good day for everyone I interacted with. In 2022, I stepped away from my EA role to take on a new challenge as a School Trustee for Ward 6. With two of my daughters having graduated, I became increasingly passionate about advocating for stronger academics that better prepare students for university and beyond. My vision for the Red River Valley School Division is to establish a reputation for academic excellence across all 13 schools, ensuring that every child is well-equipped for success in post-secondary education and life.

Serving as a trustee has been a truly rewarding experience. Our Senior Admin team is highly professional and well-suited to their roles, and the Board operates with respect and collaboration, with each trustee bringing unique strengths to the table. My background in teaching and school involvement-both as an EA and a volunteer-gives me valuable insight when it comes to budget preparation and resource allocation. Having worked directly in schools, I understand the daily needs of students and staff, and I am committed to making decisions that prioritize their best interests.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on this Board, representing Ward 6 and the Red River Valley School Division. It is an honor to be part of a team dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.