When endeavouring to create this web-site, I wanted to find a way to connect to those who were either far away from me, didn't know me, or didn't know me very well - not an easy task! This section is my attempt to share a bit more about myself beyond life as an educator...the whole me.
I grew up in a very small town in British Columbia, Canada. My parents both came from small rural families and I think my love for the outdoors and animals was nurtured from day one. Literally day one! As I am adopted, when my parents came to pick up their new bundle of joy, they decided to camp for the trip home. My early years were joyfully spent exploring the great outdoors, often camping the entire summer holidays. We always had a family dog, and my love for all animals, especially dogs, has continued to this day. As much as I am a very tidy housekeeper (a trait that can drive my husband crazy), I embrace the little balls of dog fur that can accumulate, as I see them as signs of a home, not simply a well-kept house.
I am the youngest of two kids and four cousins. Not a big family by all accounts. However, my definition of family is not limited to those I am related to by blood or a family tree. When I was 18 I moved half way across Canada to attend university. When you live far away from family, you often become part of a new community, a new family. As someone who has spent most of her life away from her hometown, I feel incredibly blessed by all the amazing people who have called me 'sister', 'aunty'...'family'.
My whānau grew when I moved to NZ! Not only did amazing friends bring me into their family, I met and married my husband, Scott. For me, he's the bees knees! We share a love for the outdoors, laughter (lots of laughter), travel, family (especially our gorgeous nephew and niece), friends, and 'chilling', be it on the beach, at the batch, or on the deck. As an outdoor-loving, rocky mountain Canadian gal, I quickly assimilated to a bare-foot, ocean loving Kiwi. My history will always be Canada, but my heart now belongs to NZ.
I value, and work hard to be balanced in my life. Sometimes I get it right...and sometimes I don't. I love being a teacher. And as someone who can become very focussed on doing things well, I can find myself living and breathing my work. So, it is with great purpose that I also work hard to protect time for the things outside of work that bring me joy.
I love to run, cycle and swim. Anytime I can be by the sea, in the sea or on the sea, I am. We are fortunate enough to have a home in Murrays Bay on the North Shore of Auckland, so walks along the beach are always in abundance. In the summer, we spend a lot of time on our SUPs. I also love to read cooking magazines and try new recipes. Outside of the beach, my 'happy place' is my kitchen, exploring and creating culinary delights, glass of wine in hand, and music on the radio. I think bacon should be the stable of every diet and my time in Spain has nurtured my love of tapas. Perhaps it's simply my love of cheese, cured meats and olives!
Teaching was an easy calling for me - I truly love kids. Although we have no children of our own, I am blessed several times over as an aunty and godmother. Kids make me laugh, make me cry (the good tears) and remind me that the beauty of life, learning, and adventure is always at hand. I grew-up watching a Canadian children's show called, "Mr. Dress Up". Mr. Dress Up, had a 'tickle trunk' that was filled with costumes. The sense of play and pretend always captured my attention. As a teacher and woman, I remain devoted to the belief that play can enhance our creativity, thinking, and overall well-being. So, I am always up for a costume day at school and love a good fancy-dress party!
I have had many amazing mentors in my life. People who have inspired me, challenged me, and supported me, both personally and professionally. The concept of grit is dear to my heart, as I do believe one's ability to 'rise' can account for how they view and live life. For me, the people I choose to surround myself with each day, friends, family, and colleagues are the reflection of the woman I not only am, but the one I continue to become. We all have a story to tell... and the gift of writing it.
I grew up in a very small town in British Columbia, Canada. My parents both came from small rural families and I think my love for the outdoors and animals was nurtured from day one. Literally day one! As I am adopted, when my parents came to pick up their new bundle of joy, they decided to camp for the trip home. My early years were joyfully spent exploring the great outdoors, often camping the entire summer holidays. We always had a family dog, and my love for all animals, especially dogs, has continued to this day. As much as I am a very tidy housekeeper (a trait that can drive my husband crazy), I embrace the little balls of dog fur that can accumulate, as I see them as signs of a home, not simply a well-kept house.
I am the youngest of two kids and four cousins. Not a big family by all accounts. However, my definition of family is not limited to those I am related to by blood or a family tree. When I was 18 I moved half way across Canada to attend university. When you live far away from family, you often become part of a new community, a new family. As someone who has spent most of her life away from her hometown, I feel incredibly blessed by all the amazing people who have called me 'sister', 'aunty'...'family'.
My whānau grew when I moved to NZ! Not only did amazing friends bring me into their family, I met and married my husband, Scott. For me, he's the bees knees! We share a love for the outdoors, laughter (lots of laughter), travel, family (especially our gorgeous nephew and niece), friends, and 'chilling', be it on the beach, at the batch, or on the deck. As an outdoor-loving, rocky mountain Canadian gal, I quickly assimilated to a bare-foot, ocean loving Kiwi. My history will always be Canada, but my heart now belongs to NZ.
I value, and work hard to be balanced in my life. Sometimes I get it right...and sometimes I don't. I love being a teacher. And as someone who can become very focussed on doing things well, I can find myself living and breathing my work. So, it is with great purpose that I also work hard to protect time for the things outside of work that bring me joy.
I love to run, cycle and swim. Anytime I can be by the sea, in the sea or on the sea, I am. We are fortunate enough to have a home in Murrays Bay on the North Shore of Auckland, so walks along the beach are always in abundance. In the summer, we spend a lot of time on our SUPs. I also love to read cooking magazines and try new recipes. Outside of the beach, my 'happy place' is my kitchen, exploring and creating culinary delights, glass of wine in hand, and music on the radio. I think bacon should be the stable of every diet and my time in Spain has nurtured my love of tapas. Perhaps it's simply my love of cheese, cured meats and olives!
Teaching was an easy calling for me - I truly love kids. Although we have no children of our own, I am blessed several times over as an aunty and godmother. Kids make me laugh, make me cry (the good tears) and remind me that the beauty of life, learning, and adventure is always at hand. I grew-up watching a Canadian children's show called, "Mr. Dress Up". Mr. Dress Up, had a 'tickle trunk' that was filled with costumes. The sense of play and pretend always captured my attention. As a teacher and woman, I remain devoted to the belief that play can enhance our creativity, thinking, and overall well-being. So, I am always up for a costume day at school and love a good fancy-dress party!
I have had many amazing mentors in my life. People who have inspired me, challenged me, and supported me, both personally and professionally. The concept of grit is dear to my heart, as I do believe one's ability to 'rise' can account for how they view and live life. For me, the people I choose to surround myself with each day, friends, family, and colleagues are the reflection of the woman I not only am, but the one I continue to become. We all have a story to tell... and the gift of writing it.
