1. What makes you qualified to be a Trustee?
I have had the privilege of serving as the elected Trustee for Don Valley East since 2022. Over the past four years, I have worked with students, families, educators, education workers, community organizations, and my Board colleagues to support student achievement, well-being, safety, inclusion, and strong public education.
My record of service includes advancing investment in Special Education, supporting the TDSB Math and Early Literacy Strategy, strengthening mental health and addictions initiatives, and contributing to efforts toward a National School Food Program. I led a Community Safety Table that brought together school leadership, community organizations, public health, faith leaders, City representatives, and other local partners. I also advanced work on combating hate and racism and supported Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices becoming a secondary course.
I have also worked on the governance responsibilities of a Trustee, including contributing to the TDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan, supporting improvements to Trustee bylaws and procedures, and participating in key standing committees, including Finance, Budget and Enrolment and Program and School Services, where I served as Vice-Chair.
My professional background has focused on education, community leadership, partnerships, and philanthropy. I bring that experience together with four years of directly serving students and families at the Board table.
2. What is your connection to this riding?
In 2022, I was elected as the Trustee for Don Valley East, where I have had the privilege of serving students and families and advocating for strong public education.
Today, I work in Don Valley West as Director of Stakeholder and Community Relations for the Toronto City Councillor for Ward 15 – Don Valley West. In this role, I lead community engagement, build partnerships across the ward, and work alongside residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to advance local priorities and improve neighbourhoods.
The new TDSB Ward 8 brings together Don Valley East and Don Valley West. Having served Don Valley East as its elected Trustee and working every day in Don Valley West has allowed me to build relationships across both communities and understand the people, neighbourhoods, schools, and partnerships that make up the new ward.
3. What do you see as the most important role of a school trustee?
I believe the most important role of a Trustee is to be accessible and an advocate for students, families, and the community.
Trustees have a responsibility to bring community perspectives to the Board table, provide strong and responsible governance, and consider local needs while making decisions for the entire TDSB.
For me, leadership means being accessible, hearing different perspectives, asking questions, and working collaboratively to address challenges and create opportunities for students.
4. What issues do you think need to be addressed most urgently?
My priorities are:
Student Achievement: Building a culture of academic excellence, with student-centred funding to promote strong literacy and numeracy, while supporting student well-being, mental health, and special education needs.
Community Partnerships: Continue bringing together families, educators, community organizations, and government to support student achievement and well-being.
Safe & Inclusive Schools: Support welcoming, respectful, and safe learning environments for every student.
Planning for Growing Communities: Advocating for ongoing investment in aging school infrastructure and new builds to create welcoming spaces for current students and meet the needs of our growing community.
Strong Public Education: Continue advocating for responsible governance at our Board table and for provincial funding that covers the actual cost of running our schools, including eliminating TDSB’s structural deficit to ensure our students get the resources they need.
5. If elected, how much time are you prepared to dedicate to this position? How do you anticipate spending this time?
I understand the commitment that comes with serving as a Trustee, having done the job for the past four years, and I am prepared to dedicate the time required to do it well.
That includes preparing for and attending Board and committee meetings, reviewing reports and budgets, visiting schools, engaging with students and families, attending community meetings, and working with educators, education workers, and community partners.
I also know a Trustee’s work extends beyond the Board table. It means being accessible, following up on concerns, and staying connected to the community throughout the year. I plan to do this while balancing it with my full-time job.
6. Is there anything else that electors should know about you before election day?
Serving as a Trustee has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. It has reinforced for me how much can be accomplished when people come together around a shared commitment to students and public education.
I am proud of the work I have done over the past four years, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for students, families, educators, and our communities. I believe education is power, and people make it possible.