I feel very fortunate to make my home here on Treaty Six Territory. My husband Jim and I have lived in Ward C for twenty-four years; it's been a great place to raise our family.

We have had the privilege of choosing from a wide range of educational options available through Edmonton Public Schools. Both of our kids found programs that suited their needs and interests at great schools in the neighbourhood; the older is now studying at the University of Alberta and the younger will continue with EPSB in the fall of 2021. Having a child currently enrolled with Edmonton Public means I am well acquainted with, and invested in, the issues that concern students, parents, educators and communities.

As a former teacher, I saw first-hand the positive impact parental involvement has on student engagement and academic outcomes. When my children started school, I was excited to contribute to the school community. Eighteen years ago I began volunteering on school councils and their partner fundraising associations, and I continue to serve on the council at my son's school. Seeing the important contributions of school councils has made me a strong advocate for parent voice and community engagement in our schools.

In my professional life, I am an instructor with the Alberta School Councils' Association. I collaborate with school divisions delivering workshops to parents, teachers, administrators, school councils and trustees across the province. Helping empower families, communities and school councils with their advocacy and inclusion work has been incredibly rewarding.