Tell me a bit about your background.
I was born in London, and while we moved to Vancouver when I was a child, some of my earliest memories are of weeks spent in Wrea Green, Lancashire the village where my grandmother lived.
I have always loved reading; however, I never considered pursuing writing until an insightful teacher in Grade 12 suggested it. This brief yet significant conversation inspired me to study Creative Writing at Concordia University in Montreal. Upon returning to Vancouver, I worked for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and Peace Arch Community Health Foundation, preparing accountability reports and coordinating donor events. More recently, I was employed by Xello, an educational company based in Toronto, where I researched and wrote about colleges throughout the US as well as the university majors they offer.
What makes you most excited about working at Options?
The team at Options is collaborative and engaged, which means that you come to work feeling encouraged and excited! One of the highlights during the day is when you hear the enthusiasm in a student’s voice after reading a poem or excerpt from a novel, which particularly resonated with them!
Who is your role model?
Serah Gezali. Three years ago, I was fortunate to work, in a voluntary capacity, with Serah. She advocates passionately for women’s economic and social development, and I have much to thank her for.
What do you spend too much time doing?
I love gardening; regardless of the weather, I am happiest when I am digging. Recently, I have spent far too much time visiting my local nursery and contemplating which plant to buy next!
If you could teach a university course, what would it be?
Introduction to Playwriting. In my first year at Concordia, I took a playwriting class; the combination of a small and enthusiastic group of peers and an incredibly encouraging professor made it perhaps my favourite course throughout my four years in Montreal.
What is your favourite snack?
I never appreciated chips until a few years ago, and then I discovered Hardbites Barbeque — they are delicious!
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Jean Paget, as she is courageous, pragmatic, and resilient, all qualities I admire! I first read A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute when I was 14; the descriptions of Australia inspired me to go on a six-week exchange the following year to Melbourne. I think the graffiti artist Banksy would also be an interesting roommate. He could then answer my question, “How do you manage to create such beautiful works of art in such public places and yet your identity remains a mystery?”
