I’m an environmental advocate, musician, and French instructor. If you’re curious, here’s the long-form story of my personal and professional background.

I first came to London in 2012. Having just completed my Bachelor’s degree in music from Université de Moncton in New Brunswick, I was delighted at the opportunity to pursue graduate school at Western. While at Western, I did research on music and language, and wrote a dissertation on pronunciation in the music of English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.

My time at Western was marked by academic study, of course, but what I’m most proud of from that time is my community involvement. In 2015, I started volunteering with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada, a non-profit organization aimed at creating the political will for a liveable world and helping claim our personal and political power. This volunteer work not only led to dozens of meetings with elected representatives; it also gave me the chance to train and empower countless volunteers who had not previously engaged in direct political advocacy, but just wanted to make a difference. It also gave me the courage to pursue leadership positions in the Society of Graduate Students at Western and PSAC Local 610, the union representing TAs and postdocs.

I now work for the national office of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada, in addition to teaching French to employees of the federal government. One of my favourite parts of my professional work is helping people to find their voice, whether that means getting up the nerve to call up an MP and ask for a meeting or working up to having a conversation in a second language. 

When spare time can be found, I like to make music and spend time outdoors. I’m a classically-trained violinist, but these days I’m more likely to play truly appalling keyboard covers of mildly irritating millennial rock favourites. I also love spending time with the eternal work in progress that is my garden. I live in north London with my husband and we go for a walk together most days.