Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Kimberley, B.C., but have called Alberta home for the better part of the last two decades. I have long since identified Lethbridge as my “hometown”, as it seems that no matter how far away life takes me, (Vancouver Island to Edmonton, Berlin, and Calgary), I always seem to gravitate back to this place. I remember living in Berlin and having this moment of clarity about how everywhere you live eventually becomes the same place. It doesn’t matter how “cool” it might look on paper, you are probably doing the same stuff, (albeit with varying degrees of decent shopping, restaurants and live entertainment), from one city to the next. In my particular case, it was sitting in my room, eating peanut butter apples and watching Star Trek TNG. I guess the point of that little anecdote is to say that there is something about Lethbridge that elevates it above all the other places I’ve lived, whether it be the vibrant and accessible art community, the coulees, or quite simply my awesome collection of family and friends – I love it!
When did you come to the U of L and what do you do here?
I joined the Conservatory of Music back in September of 2015 after moving from Calgary where I had been working as an executive assistant at the U of C. Here, I offer administrative support to the director of the Conservatory, our 50-plus contracted instructors, and our myriad of students! I also assist with coordinating programs, community outreach projects and other special events, as well as managing our website and social media accounts.
What’s the best part of your job?
To be honest, I kind of love everything about my job! Not only do I get to work in a beautiful, centrally located building (Casa) surrounded by natural light, art and creative energy, but I also get to perform a role that keeps me challenged, busy and inspired!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am an avid, mediocre birder. I love bird watching, but I am super casual about it (like most of my hobbies). There is nothing more enjoyable to me than striking out into the coulees on a nice day, my nerdy binoculars in hand, and seeing what I can see with little to no expectations. Some of my favorite birds include belted kingfishers, pelicans, starlings, kestrels, bald eagles and goldfinches (or any other predominantly yellow bird, really).