I attended Simon Fraser University in the 90s. I didn't love it, but I got the job done. With my bachelor’s degree in hand, I headed to Toronto to get my teaching credentials. This might have been the most transformative time of my life, apart from having kids a bit later. In 2002, I was ready to put my teaching certificate to good use and began my teaching career in North Vancouver.

I loved my students and their parents, and made many friends among my colleagues, but one of the most memorable aspects of my first few years of teaching was being assigned a mentor. I felt incredibly supported in a role I was just getting used to. My mentor shaped my early experience as a young teacher and likely wouldn’t have guessed that she’d shape all my years in leadership that came much later. Thanks, Elizabeth;)

After pausing to get married and have a couple of perfect babies, I returned to work on Vancouver Island. I worked at a small, rural school and commuted almost an hour each way with two little ones. In year two of this routine, I decided it wasn’t sustainable, so I borrowed the school policy binder for the weekend and started a blog about starting a school in my hometown. I used that policy binder to inspire my own policy binder, I chose a name, I reached into my network for inspiration and support, and I gave my notice at work. A year later, a small group of dedicated moms and teachers (and a very generous benefactor) opened an Independent school in our town.

For the next 10 years, I worked my butt off. I can’t describe to you how much work it is to start and run a new school. As much as it was exhausting and terrifying, it was life-giving, empowering, love-blooming, and hugely impactful to who I am today. 

To say I did all the things is something of an understatement. When you work at an emerging and small school, you all do everything. However, the school grew and transformed, and I felt I needed more knowledge and practical learning, so I returned to university to pursue a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2015. 

In 2020, our beautiful little school had to close its doors. I was sad and happy. I was so proud of what we had accomplished, and sad that more children wouldn’t have the opportunity to be in the community there. But I was happy to have had such an incredible journey and a place for my love for those 10 years.

In 2021, two of my friends from the school and I started a partnership company supporting homeschooling families. Our company, Daily Wonder Home Learning, offers curriculum and support inspired by our work at the school, but for the kitchen. 

The years after 2020 are somewhat of a blur, but I can admit that my work has transformed and bloomed like no other time in my life. I’m reminded of Elizabeth, my mentor from early on in my career, in that I’ve come to recognize that warmth, compassion, belief, and care play a vital role in supporting those who run schools. My consulting business is almost 5 years old now, and it seems like only yesterday I was accepting my first client.

These days, I spend my time with clients ranging from collectives of independent schools in BC, collaborative circles of schools in the US, leadership teams across the continent, and individual leaders across the globe. I work out of my home office on Vancouver Island or my long-surviving carry-on bag. 

I have a lot of expertise to share, and I look forward to connecting with you on your next project or task.