Working for years as a writer and poet, I added "author" to my work with the publication of my debut novel "Living Underground" in the fall of 2012. I was delighted when my publisher, Maureen Whyte of Seraphim Editions in Woodstock, sent "Living Underground" to second printing in February 2013.With a major shift in genre, I won the YA Novel category from the Muskoka Novel Marathon 2014. I'm in the final stages of the second draft. My prize included a lovely Muskoka chair (perfect for… Show more Working for years as a writer and poet, I added "author" to my work with the publication of my debut novel "Living Underground" in the fall of 2012. I was delighted when my publisher, Maureen Whyte of Seraphim Editions in Woodstock, sent "Living Underground" to second printing in February 2013.With a major shift in genre, I won the YA Novel category from the Muskoka Novel Marathon 2014. I'm in the final stages of the second draft. My prize included a lovely Muskoka chair (perfect for the cottage) but even more exciting, a full read and response from acclaimed editor and publisher, Peter Carver. His feedback was a fabulous validation and The Last Battlewipe continues to emerge from the initial 23,000 words produced in the 72-hour marathon. The marathon helped raise over $20,000 for literacy programs at the Muskoka-Simcoe YMCA and that is the best prize of all.I will continue to write the words that work for me. Poems. Plays. YA fiction. Adult fiction. The muse takes this writer on so many fabulous journeys. Show less

Co-owner with writer, editor and creative writing instructor Gwynn Scheltema. We organize and facilitate creative writing workshops and retreats for writers of all kinds and at all levels of their craft. An award-winning writer with poetry and fiction in journals and anthologies in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., I am also an artist in residence in education with the Durham District School Board. With more than 12 years teaching creative writing from one-day workshops to semester-long… Show more Co-owner with writer, editor and creative writing instructor Gwynn Scheltema. We organize and facilitate creative writing workshops and retreats for writers of all kinds and at all levels of their craft. An award-winning writer with poetry and fiction in journals and anthologies in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., I am also an artist in residence in education with the Durham District School Board. With more than 12 years teaching creative writing from one-day workshops to semester-long college-level courses, I enjoy working with first-time writers as much as with those who are far along their writing journey.Writers: let Writescape take care of all the details so you can focus on creativity and inspiration. Show less

In a unique job share situation with Gwynn Scheltema, I was part of the Strategic Communications Unit, focusing on marketing and outreach communications. I recently retired and am focusing now on my freelance editing and creative writing workshop business at Writescape.

Jointly funded with the Ontario Arts Council, the artist in residence program brings creative artists into classrooms to deliver arts-infused programming that supports the curriculum. At-risk students, in particular, are shown to have increased engagement in the classroom and increase their skills when artists are part of their learning environment.This is one of the best experiences I have had as an artist and as a creative writing instructor. Amazing!

Recruitment and orientation of professional and para-professional hospital staff.

Coordinating hiring and placement of professional, paramedical and nursing staff in the long-term care setting. Interviewing registered nurses, registered nursing assistants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, social workers and recreation workers.Presentations in orientation and in-service offerings.Long term member of the joint occupational health and safety committee.