I have been a resident of Salmon Arm since July of 2009. In my time here, I have been involved in the community in a variety of ways. My professional life has always gravitated towards some form of customer service, which has given me many opportunities to get to know the members of our beautiful community. Shortly after moving to Salmon Arm I began selling my handmade cards at the Shuswap Farm And Craft Market. I was involved with this group until 2017, serving on the board in a few different roles, including president. During this time I was also an active piano teacher in the community, teaching a number of students in a wide age range. 

After working at a local coffee shop (Java Jive Neighbourhood Bistro) for a few years, I bought the business and made it my own. Although circumstances transpired in a way that ultimately led to the closing of the coffee shop, the community connections that I made during my time there were wonderful, and are still relevant today. During my tenure as owner, I served the community in ways not just limited to providing Salmon Arm with caffeine. During this time, I served on the Downtown Salmon Arm board, the Chamber of Commerce board, the Environmental Advisory Committee, and also worked hard to help organize Salmon Arm's first Eco-Fair. These experiences led me to understand what helps make Salmon Arm tick. Working hand in hand with other passionate citizens was a truly rewarding experience.

In the summer of 2022 I embarked on a small hobby business that has since blossomed into a full-time career. My company, Gaia's Pantry, has had great success on the farmer's market scene, and has provided me with another excellent avenue to forge great community connections. The members of the community that I have met along this journey come from many walks of life, and I feel privileged to have them in my life. Surrounding myself with people who are dedicated to the land, who work hard to create a living for themselves and their families, and who are passionate about what they do is invigorating. The opinions and points of view I have experienced in this setting are not only interesting and different, but quite often eye-opening as well. 

On a more personal side, I have been involved with multiple musical groups in the 17 years that I have called Salmon Arm home. I joined the Salmon Arm Community band in 2010, and have continued to enjoy participating in this group ever since. Through the friendships made in band, I found myself being asked to participate in a smaller ensemble. The Looney Tunes Clarinet Quartet (and then quintet, and sextet, and eventually ensemble) was the brainchild of my dear friend Steve Naylor. This amazing group of wacky but passionate clarinet players enjoyed providing entertainment in a variety of settings around town, including at seniors residences and opening for the Community Band concerts, until COVID shut us down. 

Most of the time these days I can be found in my rented commercial kitchen inside the Zest Commercial Food Hub, where I continue to bake, experiment, and learn. Saturday mornings I can usually be found in my booth at the Salmon Arm Downtown Farmer's Market, which runs year-round in the Ross Street Parking lot. (9am to 1pm from May through October, and 10am to 1pm November through April)

Please feel free to stop and chat with me if you see me around town - I welcome any chance to make a connection!