What is your role at BTFC? Has it changed over the years? 

My start with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada began with my own brain tumour diagnosis and treatment in July 1996. I was a staff member from 2003-2007, helping build the Brain Tumour Walk with a truly national approach. I have also volunteered with the Youth Education Awards committee from 2013-2023. From 2023-2025, my role involved connecting with major gift and legacy donors as part of the organization’s fund development team. 

For the past year, I have supported the brain tumour community as a support services specialist, focused on pediatric and young adult programming. I am also the host of the Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, a volunteer with the Kingston Brain Tumour Walk committee and a donor. 

Can you give a brief description of what you do in your role?  

 In my role, I work with local communities to help children, young adults and families managing a brain tumour diagnosis find resources and community. Also, through the podcast, I am so lucky to hear from the brain tumour community, amplify and normalize their incredible stories of medical hardship, strength, and hope, and see the resilience of everyone affected by brain tumours at the Brain Tumour Walk events.  

 How long have you been with BTFC?  

 A member of the brain tumour community, since July of 1996—coming up on 30 years! But in my most recent staff role, since June of 2023.  

 

 About your role and impact 

 What does a typical day look like for you?  

 Working remote from Kingston, Ont., many of my days are filled with emails, phone calls and video meetings. I also provide event guidance and support to our local BrainWAVE pediatric support group volunteers as they build intentional programming that offers a break from treatments and appointments, and a chance to connect with others who may be in a similar situation. 

 What’s one part of your job that might surprise people? 

 Even though there are tremendously hard and heavy moments, so much of my job is about hope. Hope for connection and community, hope for better treatments, hope for the future. This community is so strong!  

 What’s a recent project you’re proud of?  

 Hosting our podcast is never something that I would have dreamed of doing. I love telling stories, and hearing other peoples’ stories, but I don’t have any formal training or experience.  

 It’s been fun learning and I’m very fortunate to work with a great producer, Mejora Thomas, and to have that connection with survivors, caregivers, family and friends has been a huge joy in my life.  

 What do you wish more people understood about your work? 

 That I am inspired by a story, a conversation, a volunteer, a patient, a caregiver, a doctor, or member of the community each day. The courage, hope, resilience and determination that shows up when we least expect it (but need it the most?) can take your breath away. It’s like that band once said, “Courage—it couldn’t come at a worse time.”  

 What motivates you in your role? 

 The people. The quality of the people that I have the pleasure to interact with—staff, volunteers, health-care professionals, patients, survivors, family members—they’re all extraordinary and I’m grateful I get to know them for a time.  

 What impact do you hope your work has on the community?  

 I sincerely hope that my influence helps someone smile or feel better, even if just for a moment. Ultimately, I hope to be an example for others to see what brain tumour survivorship can look like, and to raise awareness and much-needed funding for better treatments, research and a cure.  

  What’s your favourite moment you’ve experienced while working at BTFC? 

 Comparing scars with other survivors. 

 What’s one thing you’ve learned since joining the organization?  

 Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is the only national charity offering information and support to Canadians affected by any kind of brain tumour—malignant, non-malignant or metastases. 

 If you had to describe your job in three words, what would they be? 

 Hope. Caring. Community.  

 

 Why you’re involved 

 Why did you choose to work in this field?  

 My personal commitment to making the world a better place led me to this sector. I’ve been fortunate to have some phenomenal managers and leaders to inspire me along the way! 

 What drew you to working with BTFC? 

 My lived experience as a brain tumour survivor and the strength from the community.  

 What’s one story that has stayed with you? 

 A volunteer who knows her prognosis is not great and she likely has only a few months to live, but still choses to stay involved and remains involved with an event. That’s mind-blowing dedication! 

 What has this community taught you? 

 Appreciate life because nothing is guaranteed.  

 Who has inspired you in your career? 

 My father, who is a pediatric audiologist. His commitment to helping children hear so they can develop and have a future has always been influential.  

 What advice would you give to someone entering this field? 

Look to the East! The sun rises each day, even if the waves pound the sand or the wind takes the leaves off trees. The sun will always rise again.  

 What makes you feel hopeful? 

 Knowing that there are much smarter people than me working on treatment and research for the next generation of the brain tumour community. 

 

 Work style and personality 

 What’s your go-to productivity trick? 

 Lists! Old school paper and pen. I would forget my own name some days without lists! 

 What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? 

 I was born at home, not in the hospital. 

 What song would be your “walk-up” theme? 

 Either Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself by Danny Michel or One Last Drink by Enter The Haggis. 

 What’s a small thing that makes your workday better? 

 Sunshine. No question. It’s a game changer.  

 

Fun facts 

 What’s the last book you read? 

 How To Make Your Brain Your Best Friend by Rachel Barr (please look for it at a local bookshop!) 

What’s a podcast or show you love? 

Other than Beyond Brain Tumours? Haha…   

Blocks with Neal Brennan, Ologies with Alie Ward and 99% Invisible with Roman Mars. 

What’s your favourite hobby? 

Reading and working out. 

What do you do to recharge? 

 Walking through the forest or getting a workout in. I always feel better afterwards.  

What’s your favourite place to travel? 

Anywhere with my beautiful wife! Looking forward to a trip to Nova Scotia this summer.  

What’s a fun fact about you? 

My mom has always said that I have a big aura.  

What’s your hidden talent? 

 My enthusiasm?  

What’s your favourite comfort food?  

Ice cream. Any kind. Any time. It’s all good. 

What’s something currently bringing you joy? 

When my 10-year-old daughter really gets laughing. 

 

This or that 

Early bird or night owl? 

Night owl. 

Coffee, tea or something else? 

I start with a mushroom coffee , and then will have an Earl Grey tea later in the morning.  

Phone calls or emails? 

I prefer phone calls, but spend what feels like 90 per cent of my life on email. 

Morning meetings or afternoon meetings? 

Morning.   

Planner or digital calendar? 

Both!  

Introvert or extrovert? 

I am an extrovert who needs time to recharge on my own. 

Summer or winter? 

 Summer. It’s coming!  

Sweet or salty?  

Likely salty, but I do love my ice cream, chocolate, cookies—so maybe sweet too?   

Beach or mountains? 

Beach for relaxing, mountains for adventures!