Management
Over the past 25 years I have brought my management projects from initiation to implementation, which has been a key component of my work and volunteer experience. As a lifelong performer and educator, I enjoy the process of striving for excellence with clear goals for success.
I have extensive experience in executing organizational policies and procedures. During my tenure with The Allegra Singers and Strawberry Vale Elementary, both organizations went through the process of updating their bylaws. As a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the Township of Esquimalt, I reviewed and advised on the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan and supplemental budget. In my current role on the Sooke and Westshore Region Literacy Project I participate in advising on the use of budget carryovers, annual allotments, and family literacy funds. I enjoy reading organizational documents, being a fully informed participant, and coming to the meeting table prepared with points for discussion.
Organizational development is another area of strength and enjoyment. I have created and facilitated a number of workshops for adults in different contexts. I learn and master new material quickly and am highly skilled at helping others to learn in ways that best suit them. My life experience has afforded me the opportunity to develop strong emotional intelligence, and using mirror neurons is one of my main management and presentation strategies.
Those who have worked with me want to work with me again. After my successful assignment as Supervisory Voting Officer in October, Elections Canada called me to request that I sign up for the Federal Election. The same management team that worked for the Provincial election worked this one as well, and I was appointed as Lead Central Poll Supervisor for my polling place. During the first training session, I was asked to monitor the group to suggest any other potential Leads and any people who may not be appropriate for the Supervisor position. I was able to provide my recommendations along with specific reasons for my suggestions. When I was working with Esquimalt Council, I was invited to participate in the Centennial Celebrations Select Committee. I was appointed Vice Chair; however, there was some difficulty with running the meetings. I was unofficially made the co-chair and stepped into the role of chairing the meetings for my short time with the group.
I specialize in creating a dynamic and positive organizational culture by incorporating compassion and flexibility into all that I do. My approach to project planning allows participants to experience a high level of success and enjoyment. I have excellent time-management skills, and I navigate roadblocks smoothly. I enjoy helping organizations and their teams achieve their full potential by building on their strengths through positive leadership and clear communication.
Elections Canada April 2025
As the Lead Central Poll Supervisor, I had several responsibilities both leading up to and during the Final Voting Day. I created a task list and polling place layout, worked collaboratively with other Central Poll Supervisors to assign tasks, and visited the site to ensure health, safety and procedural requirements were met. On the voting day, I supervised the polling place for efficiency and safety, as well as supervised electoral officers and supported electors as needed.
Elections BC October 2024
As the Supervisory Voting Officer I ensured staffing resources (including technology), supplies and voting place layout conformed to requirements; and supervised electoral officers to ensure proper procedures were followed.
The Performer’s House
In 2001, I transformed my basement music studio into a commercial success. From 2001 to 2004, The Performer’s House offered music lessons in most instruments. The teachers’ studios were set up to look and feel similar to a home studio. Teachers were chosen according to their ability to find interesting and relevant materials with which to teach.
I managed the business while continuing to teach and perform. I used a range of management skills to negotiate renovation contracts, hire and manage staff, implement budgets, and create effective advertising.
The business closed for family reasons. It was a difficult and disappointing decision as we were in our third year of operations, momentum was building and we were starting to really take off. I took solace in being able to release the teachers from their contractual obligations and allow them to leave the company with their students so they could move to their new locations with uninterrupted income from their students.
