Curriculum Vitea

Education   
                                          
Bachelor of Education  (2017–2019)
Brandon University 

Bachelor of Science – Geography - Environmental Studies, Minor in Geology (1995 - 2000)
Brandon University                                                                    

Professional Experience

Educator – Brandon School Division (2019–March 2025)
Taught Kindergarten to Grade 8 in various schools including Riverheights School, Waverly Park School, George Fitton School, Kirkcaldy Heights School, and École New Era School.
Key Contributions:
  • Created inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that supported the success of a diverse student population, including Indigenous students and newcomers.
  • Promoted critical thinking, student independence, and meaningful integration of educational technology. 
  • I value student voice and opinions, incorporating their perspectives, and encouraging active participation in the learning process.
  • Initiated and co-led a school-wide science fair program, coordinating staff collaboration and student participation across multiple grade levels.
  • Developed and delivered cross-curricular STEAM instruction using a responsive, inclusive approach that supported diverse learning needs through differentiated strategies.

Professional Photographer - Self-Employed (2016–2017)
  • Delivered editorial, real estate, and portrait photography services.
  • Managed e-commerce website and digital marketing.

Instructor – The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre (2012–2019)
  • Co-developed curriculum and taught adult dog handler training programs in K-9 obedience and behavior management.

Emergency Measures Coordinator – RM of Whitehead (2016)
  • Updated and implemented municipal Emergency Plan to comply with Manitoba Emergency Measures Act (CCSM c. E80).

Forest Protection Health Inspector – Manitoba Conservation & Forestry (2013)
  • Conducted field inspections and forest health assessments across western Manitoba.
  • Monitored invasive species and supported enforcement of Forest Health Protection Act (CCSM c. F151).

Marketing and Merchant Relations Specialist - Sealed Bid Auction Specialists Inc. for Ducks Unlimited Canada (2012–2014)
  • Managed a monthly fine art auction campaign to raise funds for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Planning Technician – Brandon and Area Planning District (2000–2004)
  • Reviewed development proposals for subdivisions, conditional use, variation and development plan applications to ensure compliance with The Planning Act (CCSM c. P80).
  • Produced urban and rural planning documents and created GIS and AutoCAD-based maps.
  • Collaborated with government, developers, and public and private stakeholders on infrastructure projects. 
  • Worked with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation on gentrification initiatives.
  • Represented the Planning District on the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer Round Table Committee.
 
Early Career

Research Assistant III – Rural Development Institute, Brandon University  (2000)
  • Provided research and technical assistance in the creation of the Manitoba Community Adjustment Handbook.
  • Facilitated focus groups in small communities to gather insights on adjustment challenges.

Map Librarian – Brandon University Geography Dept. (1998–2000)
  • Maintained 1:50,000 topographic map library, supported GIS digitization and research.

Leafy Spurge Specialist – Brandon Soil Management Association (1999–2000)
  • Supported biocontrol program for private and publicly owned lands, using Aphthona beetles in agricultural areas to control the spread of spurge.
  • Digitized and georeferenced previously created paper maps for use in ArcGIS.
  • Recorded spatial data using GPS, tracked outcomes and created and interpreted spatial maps using ArcGIS.

Publications & Media

YouTube Educational Videos (Selected Highlights)
Created original educational content, including research, scripting, narration, editing, sound effects and visual production:
  • The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for Students (2022) – An overview of the Charter in accessible classroom language.
  • The Subarctic Peoples of Canada (2022) – Pre-contact history and culture of the Indigenous peoples of Canada’s Subarctic.
  • The Plateau People of Canada (2021) – Geography and culture of the Plateau Peoples, pre-contact.

Print Publication
  • Manitoba Community Adjustment Handbook (2001) – Guide to rural economic development, published through the Rural Development Institute, Brandon University. 

Professional Development (Selected Highlights)
  • Environmental & Indigenous Education: Environmental Management, Niagara College, ON (2012); Global Warming Concepts, Niagara College, ON (2009); Smarter Science, Brandon University(2017); Infusing Aboriginal Perspectives, Brandon University (2017); Circumpolar Ecosystems Conference, Churchill MB (2000)
  • GIS & Land Management: ArcGIS I & II Assiniboine Community College(2000–2001); CEPTED Regina SK, Brandon, MB, Portage MB (2003, 2009); Niagara College GIS (2013)
  • Educational Practices: RTI Framework; Cultural Adaptations; Critical Thinking; Crisis Intervention (2017–2019)

Volunteer Experience (Selected Highlights)
  • Website Designer/Manager- A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue (2023 - present)
  • Trainer/Foster/Website Manager – Funds for Furry Friends (2018–present)
  • Science Fair Judge – Western Manitoba Science Fair (2000, 2018, 2019)
  • K-9 Evaluator – St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program (2018–2019)
  • 4-H Leader (Canine), Spring Sports Coach, and Sunday School Teacher (2012–2020)
  • President – Portage Kennel Club (2011); Crocus Obedience Club Secretary (2005)
  • Founder/President – Westman Disc Dogs (2003–2005)
  • Brandon University – President of the Geography Club and Science Faculty Clubs (1998–2000)

Interests & Hobbies

Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, hiking, camping, gardening, painting, photography, and videography. I’m a fan of documentaries in natural sciences, particularly astronomy, geography, geology, water resources, history and travel, and if I could learn one completely new topic, it would be quantum physics. 

Websites  (selected)