With my husband, Ed, I am a co-founder of Learning By Heart Consulting Inc. I have been an independent Leadership and Learning Consultant since 2000 with numerous clients in both public and private sectors. I began my career as a Registered Nurse in ER and my nursing background gave me incredible experience in both the sciences and in how to treat people with compassion and empathy. I was then recruited to work in Victoria as a Medical Investigator for the Victoria Regional Coroner’s office and ultimately became the Deputy Regional Coroner. In these roles I combined my investigative and writing skills with my compassion for the family of the deceased. I liaised with numerous agencies and systems throughout Greater Victoria such as Health Regions, Police and Emergency Services. My ultimate goal was to teach and my final role before my consultancy was as a civilian manager at the Victoria Police Department where I also worked as an internal teacher/facilitator for the City of Victoria. These experiences all led me to completing my MA in Leadership and Training in 2000 at RRU and ultimately teaching in the MA program and Executive Leadership Programs.
 
I am proud to have done meaningful work in leadership development with RRU’s School of Leadership MA program since 2001. My areas of instruction have included Aboriginal leadership, building a learning community, dialogue, communication and circle practices, systems thinking and dynamic teams. I have also enjoyed being on faculty with the Centre for Applied Leadership and Management (CALM) where I have taught in the Executive Leadership Program - Developing Leadership Impact (DLI) since 2003. Recently, my work includes the Genesis Group in the North West Territories (Yellowknife) where I co-designed and delivered a three week module called the Art of Leadership. Learning about the cultures of the Northern people was the highlight of this work. Since 2008 I have had the great privilege of being on faculty with The Banff Centre and facilitate two programs; Knowing Your Leadership Style and Creating High Performance Teams with Shaw Communications. I design and deliver learning circles with organizations and small groups to offer opportunities for communication and dialogue. In March of 2012 my work takes me to an International Women’s Event – “We Move Forward” on Isla Mujeres, Mexico where I am a sponsor, a featured speaker and a facilitator.
 
I am very much a connector in both my personal life and my professional life. Staying in touch with my history and the people who are important in my life are necessary for me to feel fulfilled. Ed and I have two grown children, our son Ryan (and Sue) and our daughter, Allie who live in Victoria. I am very proud to be a dedicated parent who realizes the most significant leadership gift is to raise children. I have learned so much from Ryan and Allie and have honoured and supported their independence and their positive spirits. Gathering people together is a passion of mine, whether it is family, my nurse friends of 35yrs., or other dear friends and colleagues. I believe in creating space to listen to the stories of others and often host women’s circles where we strive to be real while we share the joys, the laughter and the challenges of life. I walk, I bike and I read and skiing is a freedom passion of mine but only on sunny mountain days and if the weather does not cooperate, a nice white wine by the fire is the answer.
 
I love teaching/facilitating and coaching both individuals and teams. The work I do is extremely rewarding and challenging. I strive to live my values and learn about my own leadership development from and with others no matter what their age or background. In the end, I believe everyone is a leader and trust that as I create safe and engaging learning environments the more I will support the “best” of others to emerge.