For years, I have dedicated my career to serving students, families, and communities—as a teacher, a MLL (multi-language learner) Program Manager, a Human Rights Mediator, and now, as your school trustee.
As a trustee, I have worked to make our schools safer, stronger, and more accountable. This includes strengthening oversight of outside speakers in schools through required principal and superintendent approval, as well as introducing a policy to no longer name schools after individuals, to prevent conflict within the community.
Four years ago, when I was first elected, I made a commitment to support any initiative aimed at ending all forms of hate. I am proud that our Board now includes mandatory training for principals, vice principals and teachers that incorporates the IRHA definition of antisemitism and strengthens our shared understanding and response to all forms of racism in our schools.
My work across multiple Board committees including Policy, Student Success, Learning Equity & Well-Being, Governance, Discipline, and Equity & Inclusivity has always been guided by one principle: Every student deserves to learn in a safe, respectful and welcoming environment.
As a mother of two teachers and a grandmother of four grandchildren, in the school system, I am deeply invested in our schools. I believe in differentiated programming so that all students can find academic success in the classroom, mental health and well-being supports, and Human Rights and inclusive education while working in partnership with trustees, senior staff, and parents across our system. I also believe that strong leadership means being accessible. I respond quickly to concerns from constituents, work directly with families to help problem-solve challenges affecting their children, and connect them with the appropriate supports and resources. Experience has been my greatest teacher, and I know how to navigate the system to help people find solutions. This work is my full-time responsibility, and I take it seriously. I will continue to be a strong and committed voice for my constituents at the Board table. Our schools should bring communities together, not divide them. Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported so they can reach their full potential. I would be honoured to earn your continued support.
I am a Full-Time Trustee
I am able to dedicate myself to the job of Trustee, full-time, as I have no other job or commitment to distract me from supporting you and your children.
I am Passionate about Creating a Culture of Empathy, Respect and Inclusion
Our children are our most precious gifts. They need to feel safe and respected before learning can take place. We need to build empathy, trust and respect, to support anti-bullying and anti-racism policies that are reflected in the curriculum, and supported by our staff and administrators.
If you are concerned about an equity issue, I can help. I worked as a mediator and an investigator for the Human Right Department at Toronto District School Board. I believe in Student Identity and for all children to see themselves in the curriculum.
I Understand Different Points of View
If you have a concern as a parent, school staff, educator or administrator I will understand.
I live in this ward. I am also a parent and a grandparent of children in this ward. I have worked as both an educator and an administrator at the Board level. I have a deep knowledge and respect for all perspectives.
I am a Strong Believer in Transparent Communication
If you are concerned about lack of communication between yourself and another party in YRDSB, I can help. I am a trained mediator who worked for the Human Rights Department at TDSB.
I was an adult ESL/MLL teacher and administrator. I can empathize with my constituents whose first language is not English.
I will answer your phone calls or emails in a timely manner. I will hold community meetings with my constituents and communicate your needs to the Board. I believe in open, respectful and non-judgmental communication.
