Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Bow Island, so naturally, after high school, I packed up and moved to the “big city” of Lethbridge — because nothing says adventure like heading 90 minutes down the road. Like most small-town kids, I had my sights set on one of the classic career paths: nurse, teacher, accountant, etc. I was certain I’d be a teacher. Spoiler alert: that plan derailed somewhere between lesson plans and real-life panic over public speaking.

After switching gears and heading to college, I spent a few years in back-to-back term contracts with the Government of Alberta in Children’s Services. It was a fast-paced environment that gave me a strong foundation in administration and working with people. Eventually, a colleague mentioned a full-time opportunity at ULethbridge in the Career Services office. I applied, got the job, and officially joined the university in 2010.

Now it's 2025, and I’m still here — grateful to be part of a community that supports students, learning and growth. While I didn’t end up in a classroom myself, I’ve found a meaningful role in education by helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.

How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?

I’ve been with ULethbridge for 15 years, beginning in the Career Services office, where I spent eight years supporting students and employers through job postings, organizing career fairs, and coordinating interview schedules.

In 2018, I made the move from Anderson Hall to Turcotte Hall — a bit of a campus glow-up — as I joined the Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Education. That’s where I now manage academic scheduling, coordinating course offerings and ensuring everything fits together across programs and semesters. It’s a role that blends logistics, collaboration, and a fair amount of attention to detail. While it can be complex, there’s real satisfaction in seeing it all come together to support both students and faculty.

What’s the best part of your job?

It’s a toss-up between solving chaos with spreadsheets and working with people who make even the busiest days enjoyable. There’s something weirdly satisfying about making a semester schedule click into place — like high-stakes Tetris, but with fewer sound effects and more caffeine.

What’s been most rewarding, though, is knowing that the behind-the-scenes work matters. When everything aligns just right, it makes it easier for faculty to teach, students to learn, and the semester to run smoothly. I also feel incredibly lucky to be part of a team that supports future teachers. Even though I didn’t become one myself, playing a small role in shaping their journey feels like a full-circle moment.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I lean more toward the homebody side of life. You’ll usually find me recharging by binge-watching a new series, scrolling memes, or fully enjoying the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing productive. I still like to get outside now and then — maybe for a walk by one of Lethbridge’s many lakes or a lazy float down the river when the weather’s warm (especially if there’s a cooler involved) — but home is definitely my happy place. Whether it’s a quiet night in or catching up with friends at a pub, I’m all about the low-key comforts that bring a bit of balance to the week.