What do you do at PSS and how long have you been here?  I started working at PSS as a TOC in the fall of 2018. I have been an educator in the Sages class since the fall of 2019.

What initially attracted you to work at PSS and what do you value about working here now?  I didn’t know a lot about about PSS when I applied for the TOC position. When I met Heidi I knew immediately that I had found a very special place. The kindness and warmth from the whole community is what really struck me. What I value most about working here is the unwavering support that is exhibited by all the PSS staff. There is such a deep commitment to support the process of developing the whole child.

What’s something you’ve learned teaching or working here?  I’ve learned to trust myself and to focus every day on trying to find ways to make each child feel safe and valued.

Which educator has influenced you the most in your life, and how?  I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful educators in my life. If I have to pick one, I think it has to be Kyla. I have learned so much about how to be creative and flexible in my approach to educating. So much kindness and creativity. She truly is an inspiration.

What do you look forward to in your role here each year?  Seeing how the kids have grown and become more curious.

What is an example of your approach to nurturing social, emotional, physical and intellectual learning in your work at PSS?  My approach is to model the kindness that I have experienced from the educators and the PSS community. I believe that each child’s light will shine when it’s their time. I want to do what I can to help ignite that flame.

If you could bring anyone back to life and have dinner with them, who would it be?  I would love to have dinner with my Uncle Derek or maybe Jim Henson.

What’s one item on your bucket list?  I’d love to go to Wimbledon

What educational background, or ongoing professional development, do you draw upon in your work at PSS?  I have a BA from The University of Guelph and a BEd from UVic. I also have a certificate in counselling from UBC. I spent many summers working at a summer camp for kids. My most significant education comes from being a Mom to my 2 sons.