Some background

• My family and I emigrated from England to Grande Prairie, Alberta (sight unseen!), when I was seven. At school, I found fast friends, invested teachers, and supportive staff and administrators. Together, they helped ease my transition into my new life and inspired an abiding respect for public education.

• I love the challenge of learning new things and exploring new perspectives, whether for pleasure or professional purposes. Classrooms are my happy place.

• I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alberta and an Editing Certificate from Simon Fraser University. I’ve taken countless other courses, including Indigenous Canada, Principles of Social Work, and Social Welfare in Canada, as well as 150+ professional development sessions related to professional communication, conflict management, and mental health (including Mental Health First Aid). All those skills will serve me well as a Trustee.

• The majority of my career has been spent in post-secondary student service and mental health promotion. I’ve been privileged to work with refugees, adult upgrading and English as an Additional Language students, undergraduates, and university faculty and staff engaging in professional development. Being surrounded by a diverse population with a shared commitment to learning and personal development is inspiring. The energy is palpable, whether it’s in an elementary school or a post-secondary institution!

• Alberta-raised, my wife and I moved to Beaumont in 2019, with our two kids in tow. We are grateful to make a home here, on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place and travelling route of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. We love our little city!

• My children are in elementary school. Out of respect for their privacy, however, you won’t find me sharing photos, naming them, or identifying their school. That being said, our family is thankful to be a part of such a warm, compassionate school community. It was a great pleasure to sit on the School Council Executive for the last two years. From the administrative team, teachers, custodians, and support workers to the dedicated volunteers on the School Council and Parent Advisory Association, the school overflows with people who are deeply committed to students’ wellbeing and success.

• When I need a distraction from my whirling thoughts, I enjoy listening to CBC and BBC investigative podcasts, watching The Office, reading memoirs, and consuming vast amounts of children’s literature with my kids.