I am a Canadian, and like most Canadians, my background is quite diverse. My mother is from Mexico City; my father is Caucasians and from Edmonton. I was born abroad in Birmingham, England. My family lived in Hong Kong for three years before moving to Tsawwassen BC, where I spent my school-aged years. Living overseas and growing up in a culturally diverse family has given me a strong appreciation for different cultures.

I am also passionate about the outdoors. Every summer for the past 20 years I have attended, worked or volunteered at wilderness camps. I also worked as a mountain guide. I try to spend as much time as possible in the backcountry hiking, climbing, camping and snowshoeing. I also enjoy kayaking, swimming and trail running. Spending time outside in awe of the beauty all around me continues to fosters within me a commitment to environmental stewardship.

I am interested in continuing to work with at-risk youth in an alternative education setting,  preferably with an emphasis on outdoor learning. Through volunteering and completing my Community Field Experience at Take A Hike, I have witnessed how outdoor education and holistic approaches to education can significantly impact the lives of vulnerable students. I would like to continue to explore how outdoor learning fosters tolerance, resilience and character.

I strongly agree with Parker J. Palmer’s notion that “you teach who you are.” Thus, as an English and Physical & Health Education teacher, I aim to refine and model my own commitments to literacy, wellness, global citizenship, adventure and wisdom in my teaching and relationships.