About Me
How did I get here and what is my positionality?
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​To share my own positionality in relation to my studies in the health field, I am a Caucasian female of French and Irish ancestors who came to Canada at least three generations ago. I am certain I have benefited from the privilege in being a part of the visible majority in Canada. I am married, I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend.
I grew up in a small farming community in Ontario with a family structure of a mother, father and two siblings. The town I was raised in was very homogenous, and the schools I attended were similar. I took a great deal of pride in working multiple jobs throughout school in order to help fund my education and I value hard work and life long education. Throughout my career as a Registered Dietitian, I have worked in a variety of sectors and I am grateful for the work experiences I have been afforded.
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I am fascinated and interested in the role food plays in our health and lives. I consider myself to have a very healthy relationship with food which I see as a privilege. While I do enjoy the health benefits a nutritious diet offers, I also experience joy in preparing and eating a delicious meal with loved ones, and experiencing the comfort and joy food also provides, even if it’s not the most nutritious, it can still be nourishing (hint- apple fritters bring joy to my soul). While these are driving forces in my career, my philosophy surrounding one’s health is that of deep respect of one’s autonomy- I do believe that we are free to make our own informed choices about our bodies, our lives and our health and I genuinely respect the informed choices of others.
​​I started my professional career as a registered dietitian (RD) in family health teams (FHTs). While working for the Stratford Family Health Team, I learned so much about the practice of nutrition from my clients, colleagues and our large network of FHT RDs. Following a maternity leave, I took a contract with Southwestern Public Health as coordinator of the local School Nutrition Programs (SNPs). I very much enjoyed working in public health and learning about all of the different programs and policies and the impact they have on a population level. I have such a tremendous respect for the work that Public Health does, and it was inspiring to hear about how so many Public Health Professionals had to shift so significantly during the pandemic.
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After working in Public Health, I accepted a contract at CBI Health as an RD. I enjoyed the challenge of learning new skills (and re-learning old ones!), and I loved the setting where interventions are being delivered in a clients home. Being able to see first hand a clients kitchen, open up their fridge and see how each client was living was a paradigm shift for me after having spent years in an office setting. In many ways, it allowed for better rapport, a much more targeted and realistic approach and improved outcomes.
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In March of 2020 I took on a leadership role in home health care as Practice Lead and then shortly after, as Therapy Supervisor. When an opportunity came up in a Management role to cover a maternity leave, I took the challenge. Since stepping into that role, though it was incredibly challenging, it was also humbling, rewarding, inspiring, and an opportunity I am grateful for.
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This all brings us to today- where I begin my journey to expand my knowledge and skills in health leadership by completing a Masters Degree through Athabasca University in Health Studies. This e-portfolio is where I will share selected projects and resources that relate to my ultimate goal, which is to support a team with the best possible tools, skills and knowledge and a strong theoretical understanding of the current issues in healthcare today, so that they can support clients in achieving their health goals.
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Public Health
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