Serving Calgary with Integrity: What Over 20 Years in Legal Practice Has Taught Me

I’ve worked as a registered nurse, lawyer, mediator, entrepreneur, volunteer, and advocate, and each of those experiences have allowed me to work with people from many different walks of life. Whether working with seniors navigating complex systems, families experiencing difficult transitions or individuals seeking guidance in stressful times in their lives, I have always believed that professional work carries with it an obligation of care, diligence and accountability.

One of the realities of any long professional career is that growth is not shaped only by successes. It is also shaped by experiences that highlight and reinforce the importance of process, responsibility, communication, and personal reflection.

Several years ago I was cited in connection with delays related to an expert report matter. There was no dishonesty or intentional misconduct involved, but it was nevertheless an important professional experience, and one that I took very seriously. The legal profession relies on public trust, and even matters that appear procedural on the surface can carry meaningful consequences for clients, colleagues, and confidence in the system.

That experience caused me to reflect carefully on the importance of process, communication, and follow-through.

Both healthcare and legal work involve people who are often under stress, dealing with uncertainty, or trying to navigate systems they do not fully understand. As I’ve worked in these environments, these experiences reinforced in my mind the importance of maintaining strong systems, clear communication, and careful follow-through not only as a professional obligation, but as a reflection of respect for those who chose to place their trust in me.

For years, I have remained deeply committed to serving the community and supporting those who are navigating some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Through my work with the Seniors Resource Council of Alberta, I have worked to help seniors better understand and access complex systems and services. Also during that time, my involvement with the Canadian Bar Association at both the provincial and national level has also given me opportunities to contribute to discussions around advocacy, access to justice, and community engagement.

My background as a former registered nurse has also greatly influenced my approach to legal work and advocacy. My years in nursing also shaped how I approach legal work. In healthcare, people remember whether you listened, communicated clearly, and treated them with patience and respect. I carried those lessons with me into law, and they continue to influence how I work with clients and colleagues today.

I have also been fortunate to support and work alongside many community organizations, families, seniors, and entrepreneurs across Calgary and Alberta over the years. Some of my proudest work has happened quietly, whether that involves encouraging people to move forward through adversity, mentoring, volunteering, and trying to help where and when I can in ways that are often not visible to the public.

Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in November 2025 was a tremendous honour. I saw it less as a personal achievement and more as encouragement to continue contributing positively to the community and to the people I have had the privilege to work with over the years.

No professional career is entirely without challenges. What I believe matters most is how we respond to those challenges; through honesty, reflection, perspective, and a continued commitment to growth and service.

As I move forward with my work, I remain committed to advocacy, community involvement, access to justice, and supporting people with professionalism and compassion. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to Calgary and Alberta over the years, and I hope to continue doing that work in a positive and constructive manner.