I am running for Waterloo Region District School Board Trustee because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Throughout my career, I have dedicated my life to serving children, youth, families, and vulnerable populations, and I believe my experience, education, and commitment to community service can help strengthen public education in Waterloo Region.
As a Doctor of Social Work and mental health professional, I have spent my career helping individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and reach their full potential. Mental health is not separate from education—it is fundamental to student success. Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, valued, and connected. As a trustee, I will advocate for policies and initiatives that promote student wellbeing, mental health awareness, and access to supports that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
My commitment to children and families began early in my career as an Outreach Leader at Opportunities Waterloo Region, where I worked closely with underprivileged families and children facing financial and social barriers. This experience provided me with a firsthand understanding of the challenges many families encounter and reinforced the importance of community partnerships, equitable access to resources, and early intervention. It taught me that when we support families, we create stronger outcomes for children.
Throughout my career, I have held leadership positions that have deepened my understanding of the needs of youth and families. As a Manager at Argus Residence for Young People, I supported youth facing significant life challenges, including homelessness, family conflict, mental health concerns, and barriers to success. Working alongside young people during some of the most difficult periods of their lives strengthened my belief that every child deserves opportunities, encouragement, and a strong support system.
As a Supervisor in the Men’s Residential Addiction Treatment Program at House of Friendship, I witnessed the impact that addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges can have on individuals and families. This experience reinforced the importance of prevention, early support, and community-based services. It also highlighted how schools can play a critical role in helping students build healthy coping skills, resilience, and positive connections.
My work has also included managing family-centered programs such as Parenting in the Early Years, Parenting Wisely, Supporting Young Families, and Baby Love. These programs focused on strengthening parenting skills, supporting healthy child development, and helping families create nurturing environments where children can flourish. Through this work, I gained valuable insight into the importance of family engagement and the role that parents and caregivers play in educational success. Strong schools are built through strong partnerships between educators, families, and communities.
I am also passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. My doctoral capstone, Finding Best Practices for Inclusive Hiring, explored ways to remove barriers and create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The findings from this research have influenced inclusive hiring practices and policies within organizations. As a trustee, I will continue to support inclusive learning environments where every student feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
I am running because I care deeply about the future of our students, our schools, and our community. I bring a unique combination of mental health expertise, leadership experience, community engagement, and a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am committed to working collaboratively with students, families, educators, staff, and community partners to ensure that Waterloo Region continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all.
Together, we can build schools where every student feels supported, every family feels heard, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.