Background

Family0053.jpeg

A married and full time working mother of three busy children.

I have been a trustee for the Black Gold School Division for the last four years, a role that affords me valuable insights into educational strategies, board management, and community engagement. Over the years, I have honed my capabilities in the social work field while managing my responsibilities of being a full-time working mother of three active children. On a personal note, my oldest child, who was born with Down syndrome, has been my profound inspiration.  His resilience and joy have motivated me to set forth a new vision in my work, focusing particularly on inclusivity and support for children with special needs within our education systems.  I am eager to bring my background in social work, coupled with my proactive approach to family and educational engagement.

Qualities

Community Engagement

  • 12 years of Experience working with all areas of the education system.  

  • Experience working with teachers, support staff, specialized services, and administrators.  

  • Experience working on parent council and advocating for all children with special learning needs, low-income families, and additional mental health supports.

Commitment to Education

  • A mother of three, well versed in the intricacies of the school system, manages the diverse educational needs of her children: one with special needs, one in High School, and one in junior high.

  • Strong advocate for son with special needs within the community and educational system.

Leadership Skills

  • VICE chair of the board for the last three years.

  • Experience working in Human Resources and working with policies and regulations.

Financial Acumen

  • Effectively participate in the creation, review, and approval of annual budgets that align with the school division’s goals and resources.

  • Monitor the school division’s budget and justify the allocation of funds based on strategic priorities.

  • Ask pertinent questions during board meetings about financial reports and statements to ensure clarity and transparency.

  • Ensure equitable and strategic allocation of resources that prioritize high-impact areas and support educational excellence.

  • Ensure that financial decisions and the reasons beyond them are communicated clearly and openly.

  • Link financial decisions to enhance the learning environment and outcomes for students.

Critical & Analytical Thinking

  • Analyze data and reports to understand root causes, such as community growth, budget shortfalls, or low staff morale.

  • Develop long-term strategies based on thorough analysis and foresight.

  • Adapt policies to better meet the needs of the division.

  • Utilize various communication platforms to ensure messages are delivered effectively and feedback is collected efficiently.

Knowledge of Educational Issues

Teamwork

  • As a Trustee with four years of experience in diplomatic approaches.  I have served as a Social Worker and a mental health instructor.  I am a certified career development coach, certified as a parent wellness instructor, and a parent myself.

Adaptability & Openness to Change

  • Able to adapt to various roles and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

  • Engage and involve various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators and the students in the decision-making process to ensure that different perspectives are considered.

  • Mental health workshops, including how to manage anxiety, parenting workshops (triple P certified) and life skills.

  • Career development certificate and understanding the necessity of exploring strengths when choosing a career.

  • Trauma informed

  • Social work diploma accompanied by 25 years of experience in the field

Problem Solving

  • Use mediation skills to arrive at consensus and solutions that respect the interests of all parties.

Community Engagement

  • Leduc resident for 25 years.

  • Actively involved in community associations, including KidSport Leduc and County.

  • Important understanding that everyone who lives in the community has a voice.

Ethical Integrity & Transparency

  • Adherence to the code of ethics

  • Compliance with policies and committed to guidelines.  When conflicts arise, ethical responsibilities should be considered and proper processes followed to address the conflict. 

  • Implementing and encouraging feedback from stakeholders to ensure that the vision is student-centred and responsive to student needs.

  • Open communication and keeping all stakeholders informed.