Running for Oak Bay & District School Trustee
Leading with governance experience
Building a collaborative, team-based approach
A Little Bit About Myself.
My three kids have grown up in this community. I am passionate about contributing. That led me to coaching the kids in sport, chairing the school PAC and district PAC. As president of island soccer I strive for excellence in governance and effective decision making.
Our community leaders need to bring relevant experience and qualifications to the job. With a range of leadership experience and training including a MSc (Master of Healthcare Management), I bring these attributes to support my role as trustee.
Born & raised in New Zealand, I have lived in and cycled all over London, Scotland and other parts of this amazing world. A year in Ontario led to Victoria in 2001. I have since been fortunate to raise 3 sons on this beautiful island. Having kids in sport & in school has drawn me to be more involved to take on community roles. In my profession as an educator in treating cancer with radiation therapy as well as in the community, my happy place is teaching, learning, collaboration & building relationships.
I Intend
To listen and learn the interests of students, parents, teachers, school district staff and First Nation partners. It is important that our trustees be accessible and available. To learn the community issues and to advocate and be responsive. I aim to represent the needs of the community.
Enhance the learning environment
My top priority is to optimise learning for every student. The most important thing we can do is ensure every student thrives in an optimal environment. To achieve their full potential. From governance and policy through to facility management.
Safe & Inclusive Schools
Every student needs to be safe in school. To know that they are safe, included, free to be themselves and to believe that they belong in this community.
Accountability
I intend to maintain transparency of board decisions to demonstrate to the public that they are being represented.
Champion
I will advocate for better policy, for change, for government to increase spending as needed for staff and resources.
I firmly believe we are stronger together.
A main strength of mine is to bring people together to cooperate. To nurture cohesive healthy partnerships. With decades of experience treating people in our community for cancer, as a leader and educator in cancer care, coupled with years of studying governance, leadership & organisational change including a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management I bring a strong blend of proven leadership, advocacy and an inclusive style of collaboration to facilitate stronger communities.
My community roles include President of the Vancouver Island Soccer League, Chair of the Oak Bay High School Parent Advisory Council, Vice President of the Victoria Confederation of PAC, and leadership roles in soccer, neighbourhood safety, and labour advocacy as a union steward. Through coaching youth sports, governing in community committees and supporting families through the PAC, I have worked to bring people together and help build a safer, more connected community..
Community Leadership Experience:
• President - Vancouver Island Soccer League
• Chair – Oak Bay High School Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
• Vice President – Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (VCPAC)
• Referee Manager/Scheduler - BC Government Soccer League
• District Lead - Constituency Union Liaison Program
• Union Steward & Trial Committee Member - HSA
• Chair of Discipline Committee - BC Govt Soccer League
• Secretary and Treasurer - BC Government Soccer League
• Referee and Adult Soccer Team Manager
• Youth Soccer Coach and Community Volunteer
• Founder and Facilitator of Blockwatch initiatives in three Victoria neighbourhoods
