I moved to Nanaimo in 2013 from Elora, Ontario, to work as a radio reporter. I didn’t know anyone here and I had never been to BC, I just knew I loved Nanaimo bars and I was excited to get to know the city. My goal was to cover all the important issues and help citizens better understand what was happening in their community so they could be more engaged and involved in shaping the future of the place they call home.

I quickly fell in love with Nanaimo, not just for its natural beauty, but because of the vibrant community. This city is full of amazing community-builders, including artists, business owners, entrepreneurs, activists, dedicated volunteers, and big-hearted people working hard to make Nanaimo an even better place. After only a short time, I knew I wanted to stay for good and be a part of it.

As a reporter with 91.7 Coast FM, I saw many highs and lows firsthand and regularly covered City Council meetings. I gained a strong understanding for the key issues at play in our city and what really matters to residents. I also gained a lot of respect for the many grassroots organizations, not-for-profits, service clubs, and volunteer groups making a positive impact in the community.

Making a positive impact is why I got into journalism in the first place, which then led to politics. In my former role as a Caseworker in the Member of Parliament’s Constituency office, I helped people navigate federal bureaucracy and advocated on their behalf when they needed assistance. I loved getting positive results and helping people feel heard, understood, and respected. That work inspired me to get involved in municipal politics.

Serving as a Nanaimo City Councillor for the last four years has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life and I’m committed to continuing this work.