Raised in southern Ontario in the small town of Port Dover, I went on to live in Ottawa where I studied Journalism and started my family. Preferring small-town life I moved back to my hometown where I now live.

Along with raising three children and working as a freelance journalist for many years I also worked with my husband in the painting and Janitorial business and had many part-time jobs to supplement the family income. Later I worked as a freelance writer for several area newspapers including the Hamilton Spectator, the Brantford Expositor and the Simcoe Reformer. 

Recently I published my first book.  Journaling for Personal Growth - A Place to Begin is a companion to a course I teach on Journaling.  

(details may be found on the main page)

In 1997 after experience as a volunteer with Telecare, I entered the mental health field. Mental health advocacy soon became my passion. In 2014 I left full-time work in the field but continue to work as a contract trainer in mental health peer support. 

Since then I have been pursuing my goals for ministry, spiritual direction and coaching and have attained certification as a coach a spiritual director and as a minister with the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry.

A versatile and well-rounded person, I have always been interested in volunteer work in a variety of organizations including the chair to the City of Nanticoke Museum Board, a Director of the local chapter of Telecare crisis line and the United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk.  I now serve as chair of Mt. Zion United Church.  

Committed to lifelong learning, I am always eager to learn new things and share new opportunities for growth and healing. An engaging teacher, I take great pleasure in empowering people to embrace life's journey and explore their spirituality.  

One of the most significant accomplishments in my career in Mental Health was the development of training programs for peer support. I was involved with provincial studies in the field and have been a leader and trainer throughout Ontario since 2000.

I have also become an advocate and resource for suicide intervention and suicide bereavement working on a volunteer basis, speaking to groups throughout the province and beyond and offering one on one support to people in crisis, families of those who are suicidal and those bereaved by suicide.

It is also my great pleasure to occasionally serve as pulpit supply for some area churches.  

Home for me now is in a serene country setting on the outskirts of Port Dovere, where I can walk in the woods or sit on the patio and be blessed by the sounds and sights of nature.  

While being involved and busy in the community is important to me, my favourite pastime remains spending time with friends and family including grandchildren, Hope, River and Leo.