I was born in Hull (Gatineau) Quebec, and was raised mostly in the Okanagan Valley by my mom, although there were a couple years in the Kootenays as well. It was just me and her. I would fly back and forth twice a year to visit my dad, brother and stepmom in Hull and did most of my schooling in the francophone school system here in BC. Growing up with a single mother taught me a lot about inequality and social justice. It's definitely part of my origin story.

When I was 18yrs old, my mom moved to Kyuquot BC to teach. I've been connected to the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nation ever since through familial ties. Kyuquot also taught me a lot about inequality and social justice, and continues to inform my worldview. This was also the time when I began to know Campbell River as "town" - the city we would go to for groceries, supplies and services.

When I wasn't working in Kyuquot, I studied International Relations at UBC and went on to complete a Masters in Library and Information Studies at the UofA. From there I worked in public libraries in Edmonton and Kamloops before returning to the Island and to Campbell River.

I worked at the Campbell River Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library from 2017 until last year. For the majority of my time there, I managed not only the Campbell River Library, but all 6 libraries in the Strathcona Regional District. It was here that I really learned a lot about our city at the community level. As Library Manager I sat at many different community tables, such as the Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness, The Community Action Team, the Downtown Business Improvement Association, and the Early Years Table.

And this is where I fell in love with Campbell River. The community in this city is amazing. There are so many dedicated individuals who truly care about our environment and our neighbours through tangible actions they take every day! I was priviledged to witness the compassion through my job, but I think many more folks have witnessed the care and dedication so many Campbell Riverites have since the closing of the Community Kitchen and Kwesa Place downtown.

Campbell River is the city I've chosen to raise my children in and I want to make sure that the decisions made at the local government level reflect the care, compassion and love of nature that our community has.