1. Please provide a short biography. Why have you chosen to run for trustee?
I am a retired RCMP officer with 18 years of front-line service, following five years as a teacher after earning a Bachelor of Education Degree. My husband and I have been married for 35 years and have 3 adult children and one grandchild. We chose Medicine Hat as our forever home because of its welcoming community, strong faith presence, amenities and recreational opportunities.
I chose to run as trustee for the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board because I bring a fresh perspective and a sincere commitment to put my faith into action. I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the governance of our division and to support students in encountering Christ throughout every dimension of their educational journey.
2. What are your top three priorities for your division, and how would you work to meet those needs?
My top three priorities for the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education are:
Safeguarding that faith-based values remain at the heart of education.
1. Supporting the continued growth of the Board of Trustees as a Christ-Centered team committed to nurturing the wholistic development of every child.
2. Promoting academic excellence while also fostering the social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of each student’s journey.
Ensuring sustainability by:
1. Managing the budget priorities with strong financial stewardship and the responsible management of resources.
2. Providing transparent and accountable financial practices while advancing key initiatives such as the construction of Holy Trinity Academy, the expansion of early childhood preschool, enhanced support for diverse learners and the management of transportation costs.
Expanding Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through a comprehensive approach by:
1. Equipping administrators ,teachers and support staff with training and resources to create a safe, caring environment where SEL and positive relationship building are woven into every part of the student experience.
2. Building partnerships from within our community by engaging experienced external agencies that specialize in supporting youth.
3. How would you aim to attract and retain students within your division?
To attract and retain students in the Medicine Hat Catholic School Division I intend to work collaboratively with my fellow trustees to strengthen our Catholic identity by fostering strong parish-school partnerships and ensuring we continue to provide authentic Catholic education that integrates faith into every aspect of learning. I will also encourage our division to ‘tell our story’ – celebrating the achievements of our students and alumni demonstrating how these successes reflect the strength of our innovative programs, our high academic standards, and the welcoming and caring environment created by the teachers, support sta, administrators, students, parents and volunteers.
