Discipline: Criminology/Criminal and Social Justice/University Arts & Sciences
I am honoured to live and work as a visitor on Ktunaxa territory with my family. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty one traditional territory.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Social Sciences (Criminology) from Simon Fraser University in 2005. In 2007 I graduated with my Masters in Social Sciences (Criminology) from University of Ottawa. My MA thesis entitled “Restorative Processes and Zero Tolerance Policies: Can they co-exist?: An exploratory case study of a secondary school in Ontario, Canada” was published by an International academic publisher: http://www.amazon.com/Restorative-Processes-Zero-Tolerance-Policies/dp/3843367442
My studies focused on First Nations studies; youth justice; Indigenous justice; restorative justice; support for Indigenous youth; crime prevention; research methods; social justice; and social and developmental psychology. The holistic and interdisciplinary nature of my education focused in criminology and my research pursuits has facilitated me to branch into other disciplines.
My primary focuses are reconciliation, supporting restorative, social justice, Indigenous, youth and community justice. I believe that restorative justice is not solely a response to crime but a way of living. I have travelled around Canada as a speaker and facilitator, sharing my experiences as a survivor who has gone through restorative processes. My other interests and focuses are: cultural anthropology; community health and wellness; understanding Indigenous peoples world views and ways of knowing; gender constructs and issues; feminist perspectives; domestic violence; interpersonal violence; social justice issues; homelessness; family support (strength based perspectives); life for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; school conflict and violence; use of restorative processes in communities and schools.
I have extensive experience managing various social science research projects in areas such as restorative justice, shelter use, access to Indigenous justice supports, victimization and community wellness, as well as in various research methodologies. The most recently completed research project was in 2020 in partnership with Dr. Caley Ehnes in our English Department, “Media Portrayals & Public Perceptions of Homelessness: A critical discourse analysis of BC news media” funded by and completed for the Crime Reduction Research Program supported by the BC Provincial Government.
Ensuring pathways and opportunities for education across post-secondary institutions for students is important to me. I am an active member (former Chair) of the Western Criminology Articulation Committee and am an appointed member on the Transfer and Admissions Council with BC Council for Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT).
I identify as an ally who is a strong and passionate supporter of creating safe and inclusive learning spaces for all learners. I am also actively engaging in learning about and nurturing anti-racist communities. As an educator, I see my role as ‘turning up the volume’ and bringing the voices of those who are often silenced to my learners and acting as a facilitator who creates spaces for learners to share and develop their knowledge.