let me introduce myself

I earned a PhD in literature from Western University in London, Ontario back in the day. My work focused on how our identities are shaped through our context, culture and history and then expressed in written stories. My thesis involved conducting extensive research and then, of course, presenting it in a coherent and compelling way. I loved being a student and have maintained a passion for learning my whole life, including (perhaps especially) in new, unfamiliar fields. 

I taught at university for five years and then left because I became interested in the cognitive development and learning capabilities of young people. I was a teacher, department head  and on the senior leadership team at a K-12 university prep school in a position called Director of Research and Innovation. My role was to find, translate, and share the latest research on how children develop and learn so that the school could offer the best educational program possible.

After 15 years, I left education to start my own business as a writer and thought partner for schools, universities, small businesses, corporations and individuals. As ever, my role has been to sift through and present complex information in a clear and accessible way for reports, articles, curriculum, books, speeches or whatever else clients need. I also help to develop and deliver on communications strategy. It's great work, and I'm building on it to do this as well.

I've taught over a thousand students in middle school, high school and university. Along the way, I became a parent to a great kid who has just earned a bachelor's degree. I was a better teacher for being a parent and vice versa. Being immersed in the research on learning, brain development, emotional regulation, attachment, resilience and so much more helped me to grow as a parent—as did listening to my kid as he shared his life with me.