I am a Changemaker by focusing my career on work that I care deeply about. It can be very challenging financially, but I feel I cannot do any other type of work. I am a Montessori trained teacher and a performing artist who has taken my love of teaching and performing and used it to help teach people about protecting and respecting our natural environment for the past 10 years. I helped to create and deliver new programs and presentations for young people about protecting wolves and old growth forests, pesticide use, habitat loss, waste reduction and renewable energy.
I am fortunate to have a few of these places, here a couple. I feel a deep fondness for the wilderness and the 400 year old trees in the Temagami area of Ontario. This ancient intact wilderness reminds me of what it must have felt like to live before there was industrial age living and refreshes my sense of being and connection to life. Spending time there feels sacred, grounding and a way to honour the spirit in myself and in nature.
I feel very connected to the First Nations Community on Walpole Island, as one of my best friend is from there and I have spent alot of time there, connecting with her family and the land.
I also feel very connected to the community and culture and Afro-Brazilian in Recife, Brazil, was I fortunate to spend almost half a year training in the sacred condomble Maracatu style of Afro-Brazilian drumming. I felt the deepest sense of satisfaction living there and connecting to the nature and people through the music and dancing.
I wish deeply to help bring change in our human worldview that includes preserving nature and indigenous cultures/teachings as an essential and necessary part of our survival on this planet. Humans are rapidly throwing out of balance life on earth and anew creative conscious culture that is sustainable and supports all life is essential. By practicing indigenous teachings, open heartedness and involving others in my work in environmental education and performing, I feel that I will be able to do my part to help make way for this necessary shift in consciousness.
Education:
Trent university Bachelor of Arts Honours, First Nations Studies
Montessori AMI teacher training Diploma (Dublin, Ireland)
Oakwood Collegiate Secondary
Work Experience:
2009-Current Trec Renewable Energy Co-op Environmental Educator
Previous work experience
1998-2007:
Earth Rangers Environmental Educator
Earthroots Environmental Educator and volunteer co-ordinator
Monkstown Montessori school Primary teacher
Artsarama Drama teacher
Brazil/Australia Travelled as an Organic farm worker, student of capoeira and drums
I have a background in First Nations Studies and have an extensive and varied experience as a teacher. I was a co-creator for Earthroots, Earth Rangers and Trec children's programming/workshops and the Kids World of Energy Festival. Recently I enjoyed travelling to Brazil to train and perform with Baque de Bamba Afro-Brazilian drum group.
