my bio

I work as Organizational Development & People mentor at Structured Abstraction, where my expertise in aligning strategies, systems, and operations through human centered leadership helps organizations build flexible, future-ready cultures. As former President & CEO of VolunteerConnector, I led adoption of anti-racism operating principles, rapid growth through digital transformation, and pandemic resilience while keeping volunteers central. I have designed and championed the "Creating Your Culture" process in many organizations in North America and across Europe. With an MBA in Strategic Leadership & Organizational Design from Hult Ashridge and over 20 years of cross-sector experience, people know me for turning complexity into clarity and disorder into alignment.

What are you passionate about?

I like solving problems, connecting people, and occasionally overthinking tea choices. You will know what I am doing 162+ days of the year if you follow the Toronto Blue Jays schedule. If you're nearby you'll even hear me yelling at the TV!

I would like to see Canada adopt a Universal Basic Income and make climate actions available to every household. These steps are policies that prioritize human dignity and collective potential. If you were to visit my home, you would see solar panels and many other home improvements that contribute to lowering our greenhouse gas emissions as a family. 

List three favourites?

Chris Cornell (music) – Gary Gulman (comedy) – Kenilworth Castle (history)

Tell me the five books that have influenced you the most?

How to Be an Antiracist (2019) – Ibram X Kendi

Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (2015) – Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada

What Matters Now (2012) – Gary Hamel

The Walking Drum (1984) – Louis L’Amour

Emily of New Moon (1923) – Lucy M Montgomery

It is human centred design that puts your client and their needs in the middle of every decision, from strategy-structure-systems, and ensuring alignment  of every action to the mission.

Human centred design believes it really is possible to set the human spirit free at work but organizations are ecosystems of complex human interaction requiring care, therefore we need to make sense of it all.

What personal experience drives you?

A personal experience that shapes my approach to mission-driven work is my child’s diagnosis with a rare genetic disorder (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex) when eight months old. This journey has given me firsthand experience with healthcare, and support systems including many charities, deepening my commitment to organizations that provide critical services to community. I understand the importance of creating efficient, well-run operations that enable front-line staff to focus on delivering exceptional care and support.

Where can I learn more about your professional experience?

You can find a complete list of professional experiences on LinkedIn.