London District Catholic trustees

“During my previous job in a situation, my team was stuck because people had different views on how to solve an operational issue. Instead of pushing my own idea, I talked with people on both sides and listened to what was really causing the disagreement. I changed my approach, let go of some things that were not essential and focused on what we could all agree would improve the situation. I also accepted that we would start with a smaller solution rather than getting everything I wanted right away. That experience taught me that leadership is not about getting your own way. It is about listening, finding common ground and being willing to compromise so that people can move forward together.”

“Something parents may ask to fix more staffing, smaller class sizes, more funding is largely out of a trustee's hands. I would be honest with all parents. That funding flows through the Ministry of Education and provincial allocation, not board decision making, especially under supervision. I'd tell parents that plainly, rather than pretend otherwise. What I can do is bring their concern to the board with the facts, work with administration on what's possible within our budget and formally advocate to the Ministry when provincial action is genuinely needed. I can't promise an outcome I don't control. But I can promise the concern won't disappear. It will be documented, raised and followed up on, so parents know where things stand even when the answer is not yet.”

“As a parent, I approach decisions affecting students the way I would want someone to handle choices affecting our child by listening first, asking difficult questions and ensuring every viable option is explored. If I learned a school in my area was facing closure or a boundary change, I would first review the applicable policies and understand why the change is being proposed including enrollment, costs, transportation and the impact on students and families. I would then meet with parents, staff and the school community, listen to their concerns and make sure their voices are part of the process from the beginning. I would keep the community informed throughout the process. When it comes time to vote, I would base my decision on the facts, the impact on students and the long term needs of our community, not pressure or politics.”

“My experience serving children and families started years well before this campaign. I served as Vice President of the PTA at my Catholic church Sunday school, supporting nearly 650 students from JK through Grade 12. For some years, I also volunteered by helping the catechism department with day-to-day administrative work and taking traffic duty during harsh winter mornings so children could cross safely in the snow. During COVID, I worked as a technical support helping keep Sunday school classes running online for families who had no other option. None of this made headlines and I wasn’t doing it for recognition. The work can be verified through our parish’s Catechism Department. Today I'm one of the trustees of my catholic church. These experiences taught me that good leadership starts with showing up, listening, taking responsibility and getting the things done. That is the same approach I would bring to the role of trustee.”