Meet the Team

I love being part of such a dynamic and supportive educational community. Learning guides everything we do. I learn something new in every interaction with students from our member schools. At our inter-school student programs, I marvel at how our enthusiastically our students engage with learning, each other and the world around them. It’s powerful to see theatre students learning in a workshop led by a Stratford Festival actor or to see Middle School students tackle a design-thinking challenge around a social justice issue at the Future Prize Challenge.

 

In 2017 I was looking for a new challenge after more than 20 years playing a variety of teaching and administrative roles in three independent schools. After years of powerful and meaningful experiences within the CIS Ontario community of member schools, I saw the opportunity to serve as its executive director, as a way to give thanks and to continue the tradition of excellence. Now, instead of being a champion of one exemplary school, I am the chief promoter of 47 of them!

 

What's the one thing you want people to know CIS Ontario can do for them?
CIS Ontario is a welcoming community of learners who are passionate about their professional growth. The dynamic educators who work in our member schools are committed to excellence and innovation. And, they share this commitment through their volunteerism within the association. Our varied programs and events rely on the contributions made our member school volunteers. Members of our community know that when they connect through our inter-school events and networks, they will find like-minded peers and will gain powerful network of colleagues and new friends.

The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students and educators. Seeing students grow, learn, and succeed, and knowing that I played a part in their development, is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, working collaboratively with a dedicated team to create an enriching educational environment adds to the satisfaction of the job.

 

I joined CIS Ontario through a combination of experience and passion for professional development. With a background in event management in both the education and hospitality sectors, I was drawn to the mission and values of CIS Ontario. I began my career over 10 years ago with the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), so I am excited to reenter a familiar sector I have always held in the highest regard. The association's commitment to fostering excellence in education and creating a network of independent schools prioritizing student growth and wellbeing resonated seamlessly with my personal goals and values.

 

One key aspect that CIS Ontario can offer is a supportive and collaborative community of schools and educators. Through networking, professional development opportunities, and shared resources, CIS Ontario enables schools to enhance their educational practices and create a positive impact on students. Being part of the CIS Ontario network can open doors to innovative teaching methods, best practices, and a community of like-minded educators, all dedicated to providing exceptional learning experiences.

I enjoy presenting information in ways that help people discover new opportunities for learning and connection. It’s always exciting to engage with our community across multiple channels. Whether through social media, email, or our website, communicating across various platforms allows us to reach people where they feel most connected. If something I’ve shared online makes your day a little easier or better, that’s incredibly rewarding.

 

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in Communications both in-house—at Havergal College, Upper Canada College, and Kingsway College School—and as an independent communications consultant for several other independent schools.

 

Community building. It’s amazing what can be accomplished by working together. Attend a networking event, join in on an online discussion, and connect with your peers. Your next opportunity could be one connection away.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

It is exciting to collaborate with our CISAA member schools and the larger CIS Ontario community. Prior to joining the team at CIS Ontario in September 2020, I was engaged with the association as member school athletic director since the inception of CISAA, in 1994. After all these years, it feels particularly rewarding to have an impact on the association’s growth and transformation for the future. — The future of school sport in our member schools is very bright.

An exciting new strategic priority for CISAA is the development of a comprehensive professional learning plan for all coaches and athletic directors. The process includes collaboration with a passionate and experienced team of athletic directors to align best practices and principles with provincial and national sport organisations to ensure a top-notch school sport experience for every athlete in our member schools. I am honoured to work with athletics professionals who are united by common goals and sport philosophy. At CISAA, our student athletes are our top priority. Sports are a powerful extension of the classroom where our athletes can learn, grow and excel; as individuals, as part of team and through the comradery of inter-school competition.

I sincerely appreciate this unique opportunity to provide leadership and direction for CISAA, the only independent school sport association in OFSSA.

 

Athletics has been a huge part of my life for the past 32 years, and my work as the athletic director at Trinity College School over that span of time involved considerable time working within the CISAA. The CISAA Director position combines my past work with some new elements that I find very intriguing and motivating.

 

CIS Ontario and the CISAA offer a unique school sport experience to students from grades 4 to 12. The association boasts 24 sports, 159 leagues, and over 1400 teams in a very active athletic program. The CISAA offers a diverse array of athletic opportunities for all students and endeavours to provide the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the athletic experience of their choosing. The vast majority of young people experience sport through their school programs. The CISAA takes this responsibility to heart and is always looking to provide an excellent school sport experience.