profile

In the 1990s I attended university as a mature student and earned a PhD in Social and Educational Studies (UBC, 1999). My studies focused on inter-disciplinary sociology, feminist politics and pedagogies, qualitative research methods, and personal narratives, all passionate areas of interest that continue to inform the content and context of my work.

During my post-graduate and post-doctoral years I was an assistant and associate researcher on large-scale studies, presented my research analyses at international conferences, and taught social justice, critical thinking, qualitative research, and feminist pedagogy. I also consulted, volunteered, and conducted research in the child and youth advocacy community.

In the 2000s I undertook a study of accomplished women artists—which engaged my creative roots and launched my consulting practice—while also serving as marketing director for an established group of architects.

In the 1980s, prior to attending university, I owned and operated a fabric art and fashion design studio with sales across Canada. During that time, I also undertook major textile design commissions for a prototype film and theatre venue at Expo '86 and a dining and entertainment complex in Toronto.

Throughout the 1970s I worked in land development; primarily, leasing and marketing shopping centres in BC. In the 1960s I was an administrative and research assistant for a national brokerage house, a public stenographer and, fresh out of high school, an executive secretary in network television.

Perhaps not resume-worthy, but worth mentioning, during my junior and senior high school years I was the neighbourhood babysitter, a summertime mothers' helper, and even a matinée movie usherette. And maybe my best and worst job was the summer I sold tickets for a travelling carnival while sitting for hours in a hot booth and eating endless bags of free popcorn.