History
When I originally decided to run for a school trustee position, it was after years of working as an education assistant in the Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows school district. I would come home in tears almost every day….tears for the children who desperately needed help but were not receiving it and tears for both the physical injuries and those affecting my mental health that I sustained on an almost daily basis. Sadly, I do not exaggerate. While I know I made a positive impact on some of the children I was able to spend time with — I frequently run into students I had the pleasure of working with in the past and they share this with me — I could not stop feeling like a failure because of all the students who needed help but did not receive it.
I watched as fellow education assistants were assaulted and injured and witnessed some very violent incidents toward other children and staff. It was shocking to see how we were all becoming so desensitized to what was taking place on a regular basis in the classroom. Most concerning was that children were beginning to think that the classroom evacuations, hallway clearing and continuous disruption to their learning were normal, expected, and acceptable events. Children were becoming so used to the disruptions and violence that they were not even telling their parents or guardians about what was happening at school.
If only parents and guardians knew how their child's learning, safety and overall school experience were impacted by the lack of space, support staff, resources, and meaningful programming.
In the fall of 2025, and with much work and collaboration with many parent, partner and employee groups, the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows School District introduced a Framework for Responding to Disruptions in the Classrooms and Schools. While this is not the golden ticket or solution to the many problems and challenges we are experiencing in public schools today, it is a solid start. Finally parents are notified when their child has witnessed or been a part of an incident that may affect their mental health, their learning and their overall school experience. At last, parents are beginning to understand the stress and the strains our schools are experiencing and can begin to advocate for change.
When even one child does not receive the supports they need to be successful in school, the entire school, staff, students and administration can be affected.
While I no longer work in the Maple Ridge school district, as I was required to resign after being elected, I continue to work as an education assistant in a neighbouring school district. I live and breathe kids and education and am passionate about helping children succeed. I have extensive experience in education, including as a volunteer at school, with PAC and as a DPAC rep, as a parent, as an education assistant and working with children and parents outside of school as a behaviour interventionist.
I remain in contact with friends and colleagues who work in the Maple Ridge school district. They have shared with me that things are more challenging than ever. The effects of Covid, the overdose crisis, food security and inflation, to name a few things, are having a tremendous effect on the mental health and well-being of families in our community. These factors have led to an increase in mental health concerns for our students and staff, placing more stress on an already stressed education system.
I am seeking re-election this October 17th, or by advance poll, and would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve on the board for another term.