I grew up in rural Ontario and naturally wanted my children to share a similar experience. We have lived in Durham Region for almost 30 years, having spent the last 22 in Brooklin. Both of our boys attended Meadowcrest Public School, as the local school, and we emerged ourselves into the community from the beginning. My husband and I are both avid community volunteers serving on the Brooklin Spring Fair board for the past 10 years – the past two years, as President. We are both former members of the Optimist Club of Brooklin and the Whitby Courthouse Theatre board. We have created music and performance programs for youth across Durham Region, variety shows in support of the Brooklin and Whitby Legions, and a show, requested by the Mayor, in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge. I was elected to Whitby Town Council as the North Ward Councillor in 2010. For service to our community, I received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee award in 2013.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my best friend for 34 years. Together, we raised our two sons in Brooklin.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career is steeped in stakeholder relations and building brands. As the President & CEO of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), a national organization that is the hub for Canadian associations, I leverage strategic leadership through positive engagement and a member-driven approach. I joined CSAE after serving as the vice president of network & member relations at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and previously, served as the CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. I have always enjoyed developing relationships and working with great people. At CSAE, I have the pleasure of working with an amazing group of people and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an outstanding team.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We are so lucky to have so many to choose from. Both of my kids worked at Bella Notte, so it’s a favourite, as is Michael Kelly’s in Brooklin, it’s like visiting family, and more recently I would add Butchie’s to the list – especially their patio in the past year!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22 years in Brooklin; almost 30 in Durham Region. I grew up in Fenelon Falls.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I feel very privileged to have met and worked with so many. Steve Cosgrove recently turned 95 – he is Brooklin’s last remaining veteran from WWII and a wonderful person. Brian Winter, as Whitby’s resident historian, is another.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
To the dinner table surrounded by my family – my husband and kids, my sisters and their families, my cuzzies. They are my world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Corny, I know – It’s a Wonderful Life – doesn’t get much better than Jimmy Stewart. As for TV shows, The West Wing – I’m a bit of a political junkie.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Find your joy, and let it rule your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A pint in a Scottish pub with Alex and Mackenzie.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Beatles – ask anyone.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Connies, The Brooklin Antiquarian, Mitchell Lumber – the were staples in Brooklin for such a long time.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Michelle Obama (Barack can tag along) – and since I recently discovered Brooklin Berry Co. and their lunch boxes – we’d eat that in Grass Park.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Brooklin Spring Fair – and the volunteer Board and community members who have successfully steered this tradition for 110 years.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I prefer to live in the present –
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an open book – and I’ve been in politics!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I have been fortunate to travel throughout the world – three places stay firmly entrenched in my mind: Canada’s Yukon, the Scottish Highlands, the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
January/June – sorry that’s two; Hallowe’en; and June 13 because without Rob …
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Alicia Swan’s floral delivery – always a gem!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I always strive to be the best version of myself and it’s very much a work in progress. I like to think that everyone I meet inspires me in some way – to do better, to be better. Life is about growth, discovery, exploration; living, laughing and loving.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
My Mom’s scent – and I can’t describe it. That, and vanilla.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rob, Alex and Mackenzie
