My passion to support families and advocacy for inclusion are inspired by 5 years work experience as a coach, respite provider and program staff for various community-based recreation organizations. I draw inspiration from observations and lessons learned from my professional practice to facilitate discussion with my students. My 11 years teaching experience in the fields of Physical Education, Recreation, Gerontology and Therapeutic Recreation are enriched through community service learning.

At the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, I draw upon skills in qualitative research as a member of the DATE (Dementia, Aging, Technology, Engagement) lab working under the direction of Dr. Arlene Astell. Our current research projects are focused on supporting older adults with mild cognitive impairment/ dementia through technology and implementing approaches to our research where we engage older adults as co-creators of technology.

I am a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta with a focus on Adapted Physical Activity supervised by Dr. Donna Goodwin who is a former Executive Director of The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement. My current research is focused on the meaning of shared leisure on the experience of community integration for families following a spinal cord injury. I am committed to a career that will allow me to work in collaboration with individuals with disabilities and their families to further social understanding of the role of leisure in their lifestyles.