Hi Everyone!

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Some challenges you choose, for example running for council, and some simply occur. I was in a car accident, while traveling in Venezuela, that changed the course of my life when I was 30. I like to address my different mode of mobility upfront, even before my resume of work, because it assisted in developing my key strengths. 

• I developed resilience, strength and confidence knowing that I can thrive when life brings on challenges.

• As I opened myself up to new opportunities, unexpectedly the people around me also grew. Their perspectives expanded allowing them to view people and the world in new ways.

• Diversity in thought and experience can breathe new life into the issues council needs to address now and into the future

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I truly believe that you should not focus on what happens to you; it should be on what you do with it. I decided life must go on, so I took up wheelchair tennis and jumped right back into the workforce. My present advisory roles on two council appointed committees has me strategically positioned in being up-to-date on the issues in front of council (e.g., housing, parks, streetscapes, shared pathways, access to transit).

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My unique perspective will breath new life into many of these issues. I am looking to work together with the other council people to enhance West Vancouver even more (see the "My Vision" page), while keeping in mind that accessibility and inclusion should be an aspect of all council decision-making. This outlook is necessary, as it addresses the needs of some community members and visitors now, while also providing for staying, working and playing in West Vancouver across one's full lifespan.

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Education:

• Diploma in Rehabilitation and Disability Management, Simon Fraser University, 2017

• B.Sc. Nutritional Sciences, University of British Columbia, 1996

• Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Justice Institute of BC

• Successful Supervision, Canadian Professional Management Services Inc.

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Career:

Disability and Inclusion Consultant, Speaker and Writer

• With over 20 years of experience, I believe in open authentic conversations and have been on a mission to help organizations become disability-confident; to be more inclusive in their hiring and retention practices. I have found that education can be one of the most powerful weapons in fighting stereotypes and misinformation.  (www.diversabilityconsulting.com)

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Business Roles

• At the same time as above, I have held a number of creative roles over the years, managed a coffee house, promotions at CTV (TV station), application support analyst (IT) at Arc’teryx and coordinated projects for large organizations, which translates to me working today with Stroke Services BC.

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Community / Volunteer:

• Director, Municipality of District of North Vancouver - Advisory Design Panel, 2021-Present

• Vice Chairman, North Shore Municipal Government Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, 2015-Present

• President of the Board, Tetra Society of North America, 2009-2020

• President of the Board, Realwheels Theatre Company, 2013-2017

• Advisory Committee Member, Abilities in Mind, 2011-2015

• Board Director, BC Mobility Opportunity Society, 2007-2014

• President of Strata Council, North Vancouver, 2002-2014

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My candidacy is not financed or supported by special-interest groups or individuals. As such, my thoughts and voting practices as a Councillor will be independent.