On My Mind...
why systems change is so hard
Real systems change is hard — and uncomfortable. From Housing First policy to substance use health, we explore what sustained bravery looks like in Ottawa's homelessness and social services sector, and why the work at Matthew House is part of that same story.
standing on the mountain
A reflection on International Women's Day 2026 — from powerful speakers and gala moments to daughters, grandmothers, and the legacy of women who built the mountain we stand on.
my love letter to the olympics
Why the Olympics Unite Canadians: Beyond Medals & National Pride. A personal essay on how Olympic sports bring Canada together in divided times. Family stories, Team Canada pride, and the power of unity through athletics.
removing the sign: the hidden cost of values-aligned leadership
Exploring the hidden cost of speaking up at work through the lens of Carney's greengrocer metaphor. A former public service executive shares her experience challenging harmful systems, the price of values-aligned leadership, and why leaving was her most courageous choice.
when your job IS your identity
Facing career uncertainty? Learn why focusing on your "why" instead of your "what" can help you navigate transitions with more resilience. A personal reflection on identity, burnout, and finding your moorings when everything feels unstable. For public servants and anyone redefining their career path. Reflecting on work of Maya Shankar.
my worth isn't measured by how much i can endure (and neither is yours)
Learn why capacity, not hustle, is my guiding principle for 2026. Lessons on business development, professional ghosting, and building a sustainable career.
"you seem really happy": how i finally chose myself
After 16 years in Government, I faced my second burnout and made the terrifying choice to leave the golden handcuffs. Here's my story of choosing myself, navigating mental illness, and finding unexpected joy at The Matthew Perry House. Sometimes the bravest thing is walking away.
when music meets mission: a night to remember
Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter hosted Live Loud Live, featuring Serena Ryder, City and Colour, Billy Talent, Royal Wood, and Hank Azaria. The benefit concert raised funds for substance use and mental health programs through unforgettable musical performances and community support.
coming home: why restoring homecoming matters
20 years after graduating from Queen’s University, Homecoming reminded me why this place matters. But without students there, we're losing something essential. Why the intergenerational connection matters—and why I hope Queen's reconsiders.
gratitude for a year of becoming
A reflection on a transformative year of entrepreneurship, loss, and self-discovery. From reconnecting with a dying aunt to exploring neurodivergence alongside her daughter, I share how leaving government work led to finding purpose at The Matthew Perry House and finally working as a full expression of myself.
we can’t run fast enough.
Reflecting on the first Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa race and why ending homelessness in Ottawa is possible. With Mayor Sutcliffe's commitment to end youth homelessness by 2030 and strong community support, we have what we need to make real change happen in our city.
back to school: embracing growth and fresh starts
Kids back to school = fresh starts for everyone! This year taught me: the most beautiful moments come from being brave enough to keep growing. September goals: reflect, reset, realign with my values.
when you just know you've landed in the right place
I share my journey finding meaningful work at Matthew Perry House, where I'm helping build innovative treatment solutions for people dealing with substance use. Reflections on aligning career with values and creating lasting legacy.
from ceremony to substance
King Charles's historic Speech from the Throne promised bold government reform, but can Prime Minister Carney deliver meaningful change? An insider's analysis of ceremony vs. substance, fiscal discipline challenges, and what real public service reform looks like in Canada.
why legacy in leadership matters
Legacy in leadership isn’t defined at the end—it’s shaped daily through your values, impact, and example. Learn why legacy matters, how coaching supports it, and how leaders can lead with purpose, build trust, and leave something meaningful behind.
life on a tightrope: women redefining career success
New data shows women prioritize flexibility and work-life balance alongside financial stability. The pandemic revealed how outdated workplace models force impossible choices between career and family, prompting professionals to redefine success beyond traditional metrics and champion more sustainable approaches to work.
the myth of the working parent: why we need to stop pretending it’s working
This post explores the myth of the working parent, why “having it all” comes at a cost, and how outdated systems still fail caregivers—especially mothers. It's time to stop pretending it’s working and start building cultures that honour care across generations.
leading with values: why it matters more than ever
Discover why values-based leadership is more essential than ever. Explore how self-awareness, authenticity, and alignment with personal values can transform your leadership—and why Canada’s new Prime Minister is a timely example of leading with intention.
if change is our only constant then we need to find peace in uncertainty
Article explores finding peace in uncertainty, navigating grief after loss, embracing positive transitions, and creating stability in turbulent times. Read how accepting change leads to resilience in both personal journeys and our collective future.
the quiet strength of canadian values
Explore how Canadian identity transcends stereotypes through core values of reconciliation, peaceful alliance, and principled action. This personal reflection examines how global threats to Canadian sovereignty reveal our deepest national character beyond the maple leaf.