Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in British Columbia but I grew up in Claresholm and also spent a few years of my childhood in Regina. After high school, I backpacked around Europe with my best friend and I think that contributed to the travel bug that I still have today. It was an easy choice to go to school after I finished high school but much more difficult to narrow down what I wanted to study as there are so many interesting things to learn about.
I’ve always loved to learn and actually started my post-secondary journey with a diploma in Business Administration from Mount Royal College. I went on to complete a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Alberta and worked in that field for several years before deciding to return to school. I have always been a fitness junkie and the kinesiology program was a great opportunity to dive in and immerse myself in many aspects of health and wellness. While I was completing my degree, I worked as the fitness director at a local gym where I continued to work for more than a decade. Part of my role had a human resources component which led me to pursue additional studies from Athabasca University in Human Resources. My HR experience over the years has been with both private and publicly owned companies, but I’ve always wanted to work at an academic institution because I view myself as a lifelong student. It’s been really great to come back as an employee and to see so many familiar faces.
How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I joined ULethbridge in November as a Wellbeing Advisor in the Human Resources department. I share this role with Susan Roth and together we work on facilitating requests for accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, WCB and various wellness initiatives.
What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people I work with! This is a very supportive and friendly department. I love the feeling of being on campus as well – there is just so much energy and enthusiasm floating around!!
I also really enjoy the almost daily ruckus outside my office window of two Canada geese who are always trying to get in the door adjacent to my office.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors. Hiking, mountain biking and a little bit of running are all activities I really enjoy. My husband and I like to travel as well and often plan our holiday destinations based on the hiking and biking trails. I am a fair-weather athlete so when it's cold or rainy outside, I like to work on puzzles with my husband or read a good book.