I have been a part of qathet for 23 years, first on the traditional land of Tla’amin Nation north of town, and now on the traditional land of shishalh Nation south of town. As a settler and proud first generation Canadian of Swiss and German parents, I want to be part of a community that values history, compassion, understanding, and fair opportunity.

My early career working with children and families inspired me to get my master’s in social work from Wilfred Laurier University, I am a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor. I’ve spent 40 years working front-line social services, providing employee assistance to health care staff and first responders and developing curriculum and training for support workers. What I’ve learned from the breadth of my career experiences is that we are all vulnerable to emotional distress, physical suffering and financial insecurity. Having the right support at the right time makes a positive difference, and those with families are lucky to get support. LIFT provides the support to those in need who may not have the necessary supports.

When I read about all the various programs LIFT delivers to our community, programs that do their best to provide the right support at the right time, I knew this was an organization I wanted to serve. I am proud to be on the board of an organization that works to be one part of the solution.