I started working casually with the College in 2018, assisting with the Mountain Hospitality, TIOW program, and volunteering as chair of the Hospitality Curriculum Advisory Committee on the Invermere Campus. This led to an auxiliary position teaching Housekeeping Management and as the Hospitality Co-op Coordinator. I was overjoyed to accept a full time position in the Hospitality Management Diploma program in the 2019/2020 school year. I teach courses in food and beverage and accommodations management, operations and service.
I nurtured my enthusiasm for hospitality and a passion for serving others while completing a dual degree (BPHE and BSC) in Phys. Ed and Life Science at Queen’s. This took me to Banff, AB where I spent many years working in hospitality leadership roles; highlighted by time spent as General Manager of a large live music and restaurant venue and at a boutique hotel. I also served on the AGLC’s committee for social responsibility. These experiences led me to Invermere, to work as the Director of Operations and HR for a large local hotel. In these leadership roles, I worked closely with management teams to mentor and develop a strong culture of genuine guest service; rooted in training and quality. It was this focus on the development and mentorship of colleagues that guided me back to education.
I also have an interest in food and environmental sustainability which has driven my volunteer work with a local non-profit, serving on the Board of Directors for the last four years. Our flagship projects include a large community garden and passive greenhouse, where we champion learning about growing food for all ages.
My goal is to provide students with integrated learning experiences, both inside and beyond the classroom. I feel grateful to have had plenty of amazing industry experiences that I can connect to course material, in order to provide authentic context for theory. The field of hospitality is dynamic and fun; and I hope to inspire the next generation of professionals.