I am 51 years old, neurodivergent, middle class, cisgender, demisexual, and Canadian born.

I have always enjoyed supporting others. Perhaps this is because I am one of the youngest in a very large family. On my dad’s side there were seventeen children (some combined families after family deaths) and on my mom’s side there were twelve children. We often got together to connect and support one another and there were also lots of family challenges as well.

I am a mother of two amazing people who are now 25(my oldest child is from a former relationship so I can connect to shared and single parenting) and 22 but I have many other young people in my life who I have helped raise and supported whom I also consider my children.

I have been with my partner for over 24 years and we have lots of adventures together from making a creative meal together to getting covered in mud when riding our cyclocross bikes.

My first counselling experience was volunteering at the Victoria Youth Custody Centre and listening to the youth while helping them with arts and crafts. This really opened my eyes to seeing that people who are suffering often take risks in order to try to get their needs met. From there, I worked at the Victoria Women’s Transition House as part of the children’s team and this helped me understand that abuse can happen to anyone whatever your social status or background. And often the people who abuse come from a family of traumatic experiences and need support too. I also became involved with Police Victim Services supporting victims of crime and sitting with people through fear, trauma and grief.

For years I worked as a behaviour interventionist supporting children/youth and adults who are autistic and with other life challenges. I worked for Child and Family Community Services, Lifetime Networks, Community Living Victoria and School District 63. It was through working with people with challenges that I gained my greatest strengths to have gratitude and resiliency in life.

When my kids were young I was a Sparks and Girl Guide leader which helped reconnect me with my love of nature and the outdoors.

For over fourteen years I was involved with Citizens Counselling Centre as a volunteer counsellor providing low cost counselling to adults. I was also a training assistant for two years training new volunteer counsellors. I love this organization dearly and the services they provide to the community. Some clients pay as little as $5 per session.

I also love working with Seniors. My children and I volunteered at Broadmead Lodge when they were young and I continued to volunteer, bringing my animals to visit the residents and to read to them.

My most recent role has been talking to students, parents and the community about finding a balance with technology and digital health. I have worked with many clients who struggle with gaming, pornography, gambling, social media, information overload and online shopping.