I live in the O'Neill community and have spent much of my life showing up for community, not only in my own neighbourhood but across Durham Region, organizing, volunteering, creating, and working alongside others to make things better.

Community involvement has always been an important part of my life. Over the years, I have volunteered with a variety of local organizations and initiatives, and I currently volunteer with Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, supporting efforts that help students, families and communities across Durham Region.

Whether supporting students and families, contributing to local initiatives and charities, advocating for workers or running my own small business as an artist, I have experienced firsthand how local decisions affect people’s daily lives. That perspective is what led me to run for Oshawa City Council.

I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Durham District School Board. In this role, I have worked to support student success, strengthen public education, and help ensure that decisions reflect the real needs of families and communities. The work requires balancing complex priorities, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders, and staying focused on outcomes that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.

Beyond education governance, I have been deeply involved in initiatives across Oshawa focused on reducing barriers for students, strengthening neighbourhood connections, and improving access to supports for residents. Through community garden work I have seen how shared spaces can bring people together, improve food access, and build stronger neighbourhoods. I am currently a Board Member of We Grow Food.

I am also a strong supporter of Oshawa’s arts community. I am an artist and volunteer with local arts organizations and am currently Vice President of the Oshawa Art Association. I understand the role creativity plays in building vibrant neighbourhoods, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the city’s cultural and economic life.

I also understand the realities of running a small business and the important role small businesses play in the strength and character of our city.

Throughout my work and volunteer experience, I have built a reputation for listening carefully, bringing people together, and focusing on practical solutions. I believe municipal leadership should be grounded in real experience and a clear understanding of how local decisions affect residents’ everyday lives.

I care deeply about this city and the people who call it home. I am committed to serving Oshawa with honesty, energy, and respect.

Experience in Action Across Our Community

Leadership in Governance

As the elected Oshawa trustee and now Vice Chair of the Durham District School Board, I have worked in a governance role where decisions affect thousands of students, families, and staff. The work requires balancing priorities, building consensus, and taking practical steps to address real challenges facing our community.

During my time as trustee, I helped bring together the Durham District School Board and We Grow Food to support the rollout of school community gardens. These initiatives are helping students connect with food, sustainability, and community, while creating shared spaces that strengthen neighbourhood relationships. To date, [insert number] school community gardens have been established, with a longer-term goal of expanding access so that every school has the opportunity to participate.

I also brought forward a motion to establish an Ad Hoc Committee on Violence in Schools. The committee is now developing recommendations aimed at improving safety and supporting students and staff. This experience has reinforced the importance of thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and practical action when addressing complex issues that affect families across our city.

These are the same leadership skills that will be needed at City Council as Oshawa works to address challenges related to housing, community safety, and sustainable growth.

Working with Community Partners on Real Solutions

I was one of the founding members of the Oshawa Community Access Coalition, which brings together local social service agencies and community organizations to better understand the challenges residents face and identify practical ways to strengthen support systems in our city.

Through this work, and through my involvement with Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, I have seen firsthand how issues like housing instability, access to services, and community safety are deeply interconnected. When families are struggling to find stable housing or meet basic needs, it affects students’ ability to succeed in school and contributes to broader challenges that communities must work together to address.

My experience in education governance has reinforced this perspective. Whether bringing forward initiatives focused on student safety or working to build partnerships that support families, I have learned that lasting progress requires collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to take practical action.

As Oshawa continues to grow, I believe City Council must work closely with community partners to explore creative and coordinated approaches that help build safer neighbourhoods, support housing solutions, and ensure residents can access the opportunities and services they need to thrive.

Arts, Culture and a Strong Local Economy

Through my leadership with the Oshawa Art Association and as one of the founding organizers of TEDx Oshawa, I have helped support initiatives that bring people together, animate public spaces, and contribute to the economic and social life of our city.

My work with Ignite Durham Learning Foundation has also deepened my understanding of how closely connected these issues are. When families are facing housing instability or financial insecurity, it affects students’ ability to succeed, participate in community life, and feel safe and supported. Strong communities are built not only through services, but through opportunities for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.

Arts and cultural initiatives play an important role in creating neighbourhoods where people want to live, work, shop, and spend time. Events, creative programming, and welcoming public spaces can help support small businesses, attract visitors, and strengthen Oshawa’s sense of identity and pride.

As our city continues to grow, thoughtful investment in arts, culture, and community-based initiatives can help support economic resilience, foster safer and more connected neighbourhoods, and ensure that Oshawa remains a place where residents and businesses can thrive.

Building Strong Neighbourhood Connections

My involvement in grassroots community initiatives — from community gardens to local arts events and neighbourhood partnerships — has reinforced my belief that strong communities are built through shared effort and meaningful connection.

These initiatives create opportunities for residents to come together, support one another, and take pride in the places they live. They also contribute to practical outcomes such as improving food access, activating public spaces, and strengthening relationships that help communities become safer and more resilient.

Experiences like these have shaped my understanding of how local leadership can support neighbourhood vitality. Thoughtful planning, accessible community spaces, and opportunities for residents to participate in local initiatives all play an important role in building a city where people feel connected, supported, and confident about the future.