Music has always been a huge part of my life. I made my solo singing debut at the ripe old age of 7, when I won first place in the Powell River Music Festival. Throughout my youth, I performed as a soloist and as a member of several choirs, including the B.C. Girls’ Choir and the Pacific Evergreen Youth Choir.

I received my Bachelor of Music in Voice from the University of British Columbia, during which time I also directed the Simon Fraser University Choir (1988 @ 1991) and performed throughout Vancouver as a soloist and as a member of the Vancouver Bach Choir.
Since earning my Bachelor of Education degree, I have enjoyed directing several children’s choirs, including the Sea to Sky Youth Choir and Moving Chords Children’s Choir. I have taught here in Squamish since 1991 and I love my current position as a Performing Arts teacher at Mamquam Elementary School. I completed my master’s degree in music education in June 2004.

Throughout my career as an educator, I have maintained an active performing career, participating in musical events in Squamish as well as in Vancouver both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. I particularly enjoy collaborating with others on original projects, and was thrilled to part of the Mountain, Sea and Sky project with local composer, Janna Schwarz.

Even though I have a lot of hands-on experience as a music educator, I have also studied art education at UVic with Dr. Bob Dalton. I have been involved in dancing most of my life, as a student of ballet, jazz, and as a member of musical theatre casts. I love acting and have appeared as a leading cast member in the musicals Sweet Charity, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jesus Christ Superstar, and West Side Story. I have also directed several musicals at Mamquam Elementary since 1993.

Despite my arts background, I still have so much to learn, particularly in the visual arts. I look forward to working with teachers throughout the district both as a facilitator and helping teacher, as well as a colleague and student. We have so much to share as educators. I hope that as the Fine Arts helping teacher, I can help every teacher to strengthen their already strong and vibrant programs.