Currently I live on Pender Island. We first purchased a home on Pender in 1995. Like many others we continued to use our home on weekends and holidays. We also went through periods where we would rent out our home long term.

In 2001 we decided to move to Pender full time. A few things led to our decision to move here full time. We were living in Surrey BC. Our house was broken into three times within six weeks. This had never happened before but it changed our sense of security at home. I was a stay at home mother and my husband is an Artist, who also works from home, which made our situation flexible. Our neighbours had friends that wanted to rent our home and our daughter was approaching preschool age. We felt the path was clear and that it was the perfect opportunity to make the change and move to Pender full time. When reflecting back we feel this was the right decision and have no regrets in making it.

We (my husband, daughter and dog) live here happily in a modest home in the Magic Lake area. In 2003 we invested in a rental home here on Pender. This rental home is also in the Magic Lake area with a view of the lake.

My Work History 

Before our daughter was born I worked in the Computer Industry. I worked as a Western Regional Sales Coordinator for (at the time) the third largest computer distributor in Canada. It was a job I loved and couldn't wait to get to each day. It was a hard decision to not return to work and stay home to raise my daughter. I also knew that leaving the industry for any length of time would be like starting all over again since the industry changes quickly.

As our daughter approached school age I decided to re-enter the workforce. I joined the opening team during the construction of a luxury hotel. I worked closely with the General Manager as an Executive Assistant while the project came to life. When the project was complete my position changed to Human Resources Manager. One of my responsibilities was to assist in housing our new employees. Within about 3 months our number of employees went from about 25 to 130. I was working very long hours, about 70-80 a week and on more occasions than not working seven days a week. It was not a healthy environment for my family.

It was during my employment as a Human Resources Manager that I decided I really liked the housing aspect of my job. I liked meeting with homeowners and creating contracts and managing that aspect of it. It inspired me to pursue property management.

Wanting to create security for my future I decided to take the Broker's course. Soon after completing and passing the Broker's exam I decided I wanted to start up my own Real Estate Company. This would give me complete freedom over the services I would provide.

My Volunteer Work Experience 

I have always been a strong believer in Volunteer work experience. I started volunteering when I was a teenager. My first volunteer experiences involved ushering at the Surrey Arts Centre for live performances, Senior Boys Soccer Manager, Grade Representative for Multicultural Committee and Counter Attack Committee and Graduation Committee Chairperson. I was also a Summer Camp Councillor.

When I moved to Pender I quickly began volunteering in a variety of different areas. Here are a few things that I participated with:

Pender Island Child Care Society - Board Member (approx. 2 years)

Pender Island Swim Club - Board member   (approx. 5 years)

Pender Island Emergency Program - (approx 7 years) ESS Director for 5 years.

Pender Island Pool Project Committee (approx 5 years)

Pender Island Hospice Care - cooking meals for hospice group, giving caregivers time off.

Conducting free computer classes for locals at the library (internet, email, word, excel)

School Planning Committee (approx 3 years)

Other sporadic volunteering would be with the local Community Church, Kids Club, organizing youth activities like rock climbing and swimming. I am also a member of the PAC (parent’s advisory council).

Hobbies and Interests

Mostly I like to spend time with my family. I am a big fan of movie nights at our house. My daughter is involved in competitive swimming and I love to watch her swim meets and go camping with the family. I also enjoy card games like Skip-bo, Uno, Elf Rause, Gin Rummy and Hearts. I'm a pretty good cook too.