Tell me a little bit about your background.
I was born in Vancouver, moved to the Comox Valley when I was 6, and graduated from high school in 19__! I loved playing team sports, especially field hockey, being in a jazz band, and skiing with my friends. I attended UVic for their 2-year business transfer program, travelled for a year in the South Pacific with my best friend, and returned to SFU to do Business and Communications. One day after graduation, I moved to England and worked in an advertising company and then spent the following 10 years working in Europe. I came back to Canada to do a graduate degree in International Education at U of T and spent the following 2 years in Dubai. I returned to Vancouver to work at UBC, worked in admissions at independent schools, got married, had 2 children, and still love travelling and skiing… although blue runs instead of double blacks!
What makes you most excited about working at Options?
I am very excited to be able to be a part of students’ journeys at a very dynamic and important stage in their lives.
What has surprised you the most in the first month?
During this first month, I have had the opportunity to join several meetings with my colleagues and their clients. I have to say what has surprised me the most is how well these students have responded to their school challenges since March, and despite the uncertainty of the year ahead, are putting their heads down and seeing the positives.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Celebrate Good Times Come On” by Kool & the Gang. An oldie, but it never disappoints. It always makes me want to sing, dance, and enjoy the moment.
What do you spend too much time doing?
I spend too much time watching movies. I love our Friday Family Movie Nights, but during the winter time, it is more like a movie weekend than a movie night. Pizza and cuddling are hard to resist!
What is your favourite snack?
I love apples – any kind will do, but Ambrosia tops the list.
Which well-known person would be your ideal roommate?
I think an interesting person to have as a roommate would be Mariana Costa Checa. She created a business that provides tech skills to low-income women in Peru and has been recognized by MIT as having one of the most innovative minds in the world. She is smart, committed to helping others, and full of ideas. I think we would have amazing late-night conversations, and I would feel inspired to work hard and find meaning in what I do. Her tech skills might come in handy too!
