I am a homeschooling mother, an author, an artist, an educator and an entrepreneur.  It has been a long and windy road that led me to today, but here is some of how I got here…
 
I discovered the value of learning through play early in my work in recreation and community development. My desire to share that knowledge with others led me to become an educator and as my journey continued, my zeal for adventure and belief in human potential brought me to experience-based learning.  It is here that I discovered my true passion, the power of hands on learning-- of getting in there, having fun, getting dirty and “do-ing”. Now I have been a facilitator and educator for over 25 years.  I see how invaluable play, creativity and hands-on experiences are for true learning. I am passionate about helping create fun, hands-on learning experiences that spark a fire within.
 
I am honoured to have spent over 13 years working in recreation and community development in Aboriginal communities throughout northern Manitoba and Ontario. I believe in the importance of recreation in building vibrant and healthy communities and maintain a commitment to increasing opportunities for positive leisure choices.
 
My passion for adventure, coupled with a passion for the outdoors, not only led me north, but also to Outward Bound Canada. In my 6 years as an Instructor there, I was privileged to be a part of reconnecting people with the earth and themselves. In my work I continue to share my reverence for the wilderness and to provide opportunities that enable people to connect with their inner wisdom, creativity, and strength.
 
My biggest adventure yet has been becoming a mother. My two wonderful boys continue to challenge me, teach me, inspire me, and bring joy and humour to my life. It is my desire to ensure they have exciting, real, nurturing and relevant learning experiences that has been the driving force behind The Forest School—An Alternative Learning Centre.
 
The Forest School opened its doors in 2007, and as the founder and primary “teacher”, I have been working there with an incredible group of wild hearts, exploring, sharing and discovering the many things that interest us.
 
Along with “teaching” at The Forest School, I design and facilitate both professional and personal development opportunities in the broader community.  In so doing, I have worked everywhere from classrooms, to boardrooms, to the wilderness, with populations including women, children, educators, youth at risk, adults, businesses and people from varied ethnic backgrounds.  This diversity has developed in me a sensitivity and adaptability to various needs and environments that I have found invaluable.
 
My latest adventure has led me into the publishing world.  In 2017, I published the children’s book, A World Worth Imagining.  In all that I do I love to share with others the wonder of what is, and in the case of A World Worth Imagining, the wonder of what could be.
 
I truly believe that we learn best by doing and by being the driving force of our own learning; that learning can be a wondrous adventure; and that when we take the time to search, we can discover a potential within ourselves and others that we never thought existed. It is these truths that guide my work.