are important when considering the strongest candidate.
My undergraduate degrees are in
My Masters degrees in english & education developed
My Doctorate in educational leadership highlights my skills in
I also have extensive peer-reviewed academic publications on equity and critical perspectives in educational leadership and organizational change. I am a strong advocate for lifelong learning as a way to bring people together and to encourage creative problem-solving.
is an equally important consideration.
Councillor responsibilities are significant:
These responsibilities should rest in the hands of a candidate with knowledge, experience, and transferable skills in these areas.
I have worked in community education for over 20 years in contexts ranging from private recreation facilities to district school boards to municipal governments to provincial non-profits and am the director of a leadership training organization teaching & consulting on organizational learning. I also work as a part-time university professor and associate editor for an academic journal, maintaining my critical analysis & communication skills - key in a role where two-way communication will be critical. This combination of public & private sector leadership experience will ensure a deeper contextual understanding of issues on Council.
is important for candidates to understand residents' wants & needs.
I am deeply embedded in Aurora's Ward 5 community. My kids attended Northern Lights and Dr. G. W. Williams, grew up swimming & skating at the AFLC, playing at Taylor Park, splashing at the Ada Johnson splash pad, playing AKBA baseball at Optimist Park & AYSC soccer at Sheppard's Bush. We're out walking our dog through the Bayview-Wellington neighbourhood every day, cycling through the Arboretum every weekend, and attending the celebrations organized by the Town's special events team every season.
I've always been dedicated to serving my community. I've worked with at-risk teens for decades. While my kids were growing up I gave my time to serve the parts of the community that we were most involved with, volunteering dozens of hours a week for their schools, clubs, and teams. As they got older, I turned my attention to the broader community, serving on several non-profit boards & the Town Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee which has given me insight into planning and program & amenity needs. Now that my kids are grown and I can dedicate the time the role deserves, I'm turning that community dedication toward serving as Ward 5 Councillor.
