About Me

I am many things: a mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, passionate artist,  talented teacher and a dreamer. To know me, you must understand a bit about me; where I’ve come from, grown through, and what I hope to achieve.

As a mother…

I have been blessed with two beautiful boys. Ask me about my children and I will brag like a proud hen about their achievements. I have one son who has just started his secondary education and another who is in grade 1-both are incredibly talented in arts and academics. Life is good! I didn’t always see things this way though. I was a single teen mother. Right out of high school I found life very busy and challenging trying to balance motherhood and my own education. I persevered dedicating myself to advance academically despite my challenges and successfully put myself through University. While completing my degree I fell in-love, got married and had my second son, all without interrupting the course and completion of my post-secondary. In 2011, I graduated with honours obtaining two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts Education with an outstanding intern-ship evaluation (drama major and a dance minor), and a Bachelor of Theatre Arts. I immediately applied to the Regina Public School Board and began my journey as a substitute teacher.

As an artist…

A Macgyver of the arts, I dabble in a bit of everything as a creator, performer and teacher. Immersed in the world of art from a young age, my love was fostered by my mother and teachers (Jane Ursan, Laura Kuz). As far back as I can remember, I’ve had an interest in the arts and seized every opportunity to participate in a variety of art experiences.

I enjoy performing, studying new art forms and creating my own art-most of which I’ve sold or donated. I sing, dance, play guitar and piano, and fiddle around in various visual art media, always looking for the next opportunity to discover something new.

I enjoy reading. Summers are often spent going on exciting literary adventures while laying in a hammock or soaking up the sun. You will almost always catch me with a book-ready to read at a moments notice. Leading by example, I’ve instilled a passion for reading in my own children; we often have reading parties where we curl up with a book and healthy snacks. I also enjoy writing and often try my hand at writing poetry, lyrics, short stories and monologues.

For more information please access my art page which has some samples of my own visual art, writing and music, although it’s still a work in progress. You can also access my blog which was created to be a collaborative collection of art focused teaching resources and arts related discussion-also a work in progress.

And teacher….

While certain pedagogic practices can be taught, I also believe that  some teachers are gifted in the ability to engage students and draw them into a higher level of appreciation and learning; that teaching is an art. Everyday you step into the classroom you assume a role as someone who is to share, guide, challenge and inspire students to achieve more than they believe they can. I’m not talking about acting, but rather having the ability to be professional while authentic with students and to acknowledge that each day with students is an opportunity–a gift~~”Carpe Diem.”

As a teacher, I often see someone’s child more than his/her own parents. I have the opportunity to help shape each child that passes through my door. What am I going to do with this opportunity? I am welcoming: I make sure that I’m never too busy for any student-my door is always open. I am fair in my assessment of the outcomes and indicators allowing for adaptations as is necessary-if a student has met the outcomes or can explain his/herself regarding the indicators then he/she is assessed based on that. My goal in assessment is to have a feedback loop prior to submitting assignments and focus on positive affirmations to create a drive for success rather than critiquing with negative or student shortcomings. I ensure that I plan exciting and relate-able topics of exploration while meeting curriculum outcomes (and make the ‘dry stuff’ interesting by pulling student relevant references. I.e. ethics in photo manipulation, celebrity, and body image).  I use a variety of delivery approaches from lecture, student lead discussions, videos, exploration, etc… I also encourage feedback so that I may continue to improve on content and delivery. Past experiences demonstrate that students find me approachable and trustworthy-ask any student I’ve taught! Art can open doors for students; bring learning and help redirect energy into more positive pathways for students. It did for me and I’m passionate about using all of my past education and life experience to pour into students.

I appreciate every opportunity to further develop my skills as an educator and never shy away from PD sessions and teaching opportunities outside of my comfort zone. I am blessed to have had such diverse substitute teaching and contracted employment opportunities. I see each day as a new opportunity to demonstrate my strengths and challenge myself professionally so that I continue to evolve in my pedagogy and artistry. That being said however, I am ready to find a school community to call my home; a place where I can bring my experiences and strengths to enrich school culture.

As a dreamer…

Once I’ve established roots in a school, I aspire to obtain a Master’s degree (with a focus of working with youth at risk).  I enjoy work in  an adaptive/support programming such as The Shirley Schnieders Support Center or community schools. I also hope to one day achieve a Ph. D. and teach at one of the Universities in Canada. I’ve always wanted to teach at the post secondary level before I conclude my teaching career.