In 1983 I graduated from Loyalist Community College with my 2 year Social Services diploma. My first job out of college was to develop an Adult Day school, direct and teach through the Board of Education. I worked with students who were upgrading for employment or who where unable to attend mainstream schools for a variety of reasons. I also taught English as a Second language for 14 different lan
guage groups. In 1987 my first child came along and in 1989 my second! I worked part time after that, while being Mom. I directed a Non Profit agency working with children who were struggling in school and at home. I went on to work with Youth For Christ in Belleville, Ontario with street youth. I also was the treasurer on a board of directors for St. Leonords, a half way house in Trenton, Ontario. In 1995 we left Ontario and moved to Saskatchewan where I completed my bachelor degree and 1999 graduated with a Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Counseling from Briercrest Graduate School. I was invited by the mayor to initiate a Youth Drop In Center and Leadership training program in the small farming community of Mortlach, Saskatchewan. I was a youth counselor for Paul Dojack lock down facility with youth and their families in Regina during this time also. We spent one year in Manitoba working with First Nations. I also worked in the Gypsumville RCMP office as a cell guard. This employment was a very enlightening experience. Shortly after arriving in Hilbre, Manitoba we made our way to Esperanza, BC. a fly in, boat in community on the West Coast of Vancouver Island (the very tip). I had the privilege of living in a community and working as a drug and alcohol counselor and in crisis intervention as well as being able to approve applicants for a six week family treatment program. I also worked for Ehattesaht First Nation Tribe as a clinical counselor working with families. Since 2007 we have lived in Campbell River, BC. I worked for The Salvation Army Evergreen House. I was the director of the homeless shelter, detox program (4 beds for women), 6 plex second stage transitional housing, the extreme weather program and the sandwich van that went out every evening to deliver hot drinks and dinner to those living on the streets. I returned to private clinical counseling - part time November 2010 and December 2011 began as full time practitioner. While being in private practise I have counselled endless hours in my office with folks who struggle in relationships, with substances, work conflicts and mental health conditions. I have also developed a zoom video practise as well as a result of Covid-19. When I am not working in my office I am remote counselling in fly/in boat in communities from 3-14
days.
