I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and from Hamilton Teacher’s College with an elementary school teaching certificate.

I received my training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the Behavioural Medicine Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton where I was employed for 9 years as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. During that period of time, I worked under the direct supervision of Psychologists and provided treatment for patients with chronic somatic and mental health difficulties.

As well, I managed and provided counselling services for SHAPE (Strategies for Healthful and Pleasurable Eating) also offered by the Behavioural Medicine Unit. This program dealt with individuals who presented with issues related to weight and body image. I was also a counsellor for Off Site Resources Inc., an employee assistance program utilized by large employers in southern Ontario. Following this, I was the Executive Director of Alternatives for Youth in Hamilton for 9 years. This agency provided addictions counselling for youth aged 13 to 25 years of age.

Since the inception of Odyssey Health Services in December 2000, my roles included that of Chief Operations Officer and VP, Customer Relations. During my time with Odyssey Health Services, I have received ongoing training in behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy, Behavioural Activation (BA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

When I am not working, I value my time with family and friends and am particularly fond of creating memories with my partner, children and grandchildren. I like to balance my busy career with travel and gardening.