Building Community Beyond City Hall

 Strong communities are built by people who show up.

While I am proud to serve on Vernon City Council, some of my most rewarding experiences have come through volunteer work, community partnerships, and involvement with organizations that make a difference in people's lives.

Community leadership is not limited to Council meetings. It happens wherever people come together to solve problems, support one another, and strengthen the community we share.

  Over the years, I have been involved with initiatives focused on:

• Housing and homelessness 
• Poverty reduction 
• Youth development 
• Seniors supports 
• Food security 
• Mental health and recovery 
• Community safety 
• Education and public awareness 

These experiences help keep me connected to the real challenges and opportunities facing Vernon residents every day.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: 

• Not-for-Profit Housing Action Team (2017 - Present)  

ANTI-POVERTY: 

• Camp Okanagan Outreach/Liaison Team (2010 - Present) 

COMMUNITY SAFETY:

• Harwood Block Watch (2015 - Present)
• Partners in Action (2009 - Present)  

FOOD INSECURITY: 

• Emergency Food Action Network (2014 - Present)   

 YOUTH: 

• North Okanagan Early Years Table (2018 - Present) 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: 

• Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan, Board of Directors (2012-2018)
• Homelessness Strategy Committee (2010-2018)

COMMUNITY SAFETY: 

• Sexual Assault Services Committee (2009 - 2022)
• BC Bad Date & Aggressor Reporting Committee (2022)
• Centerville Neighbourhood Council (2013-2015)
• High Risk Domestic Violence Committee (2009-2011)
• Harwood Neighbourhood Council (2008-2013)

FOOD INSECURITY: 

• Starfish Backpack Program (2021-2022)
• Vernon Upper Room Mission, Board of Directors (2015-2016)

HEALTH: 

• Opioid Crisis Response Committee (2019-2020)
• Okanagan Recovery Day Committee (2011-2017)
• Harm Reduction Strategy Committee (2010-2018)
• Women’s Second Stage Addictions Recovery Committee (2010-2011)
• Access to Local Detox Services Committee (2010-2011)
• Community Dental Access Steering Committee (2009-2010)

SERVICE CLUBS 

• Kalamalka Rotary (2010-2018)

SUICIDE PREVENTION: 

• Suicide Prevention Committee (2010 - 2013)

SUPPORTING LOCAL INNITATIVES: 

• United Way Donation Committee (2013-2014)

 I believe public service begins with community service.

Whether participating in fundraising events, supporting local organizations, volunteering my time, or working alongside community partners, I remain committed to helping build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The lessons learned through community involvement often provide valuable perspectives that help inform better public policy and stronger local decision-making. 

 Local government is ultimately about people.

The relationships built through community involvement help create stronger partnerships, improve understanding, and ensure that decisions are grounded in residents' lived experiences.

These connections continue to shape my work both inside and outside of City Hall.

I believe Community Members become Community Leaders when they are engaged with their community, when they are giving back. 

If you want to get involved in your community but are not sure where to start, feel free to email me. 

You may be interested in getting involved with specific arts or sports associations, volunteering or donating to a local charity or perhaps you want to apply for a committee operated by the City of Vernon.