Give us the “elevator pitch” for what you do at work.
The ADM role is like being the COO to the Chair’s CEO role. ADMs are the linchpin of the department, making sure staff and faculty have the support they need while keeping everything on track with policies, budgets and procedures. A huge part of the job is navigating university systems, driving process improvements and troubleshooting issues as they arise. It’s all about offering guidance, managing special projects and connecting people with the right resources to get things done. Plus approvals, lots and lots of approvals!
What is your first U of A memory?
The U of A has always been a part of my life. In fact, I was born right here in the U of A Hospital! Growing up, campus life was everywhere around me. My earliest memory was probably gowning up in the hospital to meet my baby brother, but I have many other early memories, including learning to ride a bike in an alley next to the U of A Farm, and visiting the farm on school field trips. I had sleepovers with friends in Michener Park, went to sports camps in the Butterdome, cheered on the Pandas basketball team in the Main Gym and even used the library as a high schooler. I actually planned on going elsewhere, but when the U of A offered me a scholarship, it sealed the deal.
One of my favourite early student memories was moving into Lister Hall. My mom took one look around my room and said, "Yep, hasn't changed at all!" It turns out she had lived on the exact same floor in Kelsey, just two doors down, back when she was a student!
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
I’ve been slowly growing my knowledge in various aspects of Indigenous history and culture, and I’ve been thinking about taking the Indigenous Canada online course. As a fifth-generation Canadian and a third-generation Edmontonian, it’s important to me that I learn the history that wasn’t taught in school. I just need to make some time and sign up. I know it’s going to be fascinating!
If you could show a visitor a unique spot or experience on campus, what would it be?
Honestly, just strolling through North Campus on a beautiful summer day is the best. It's the best way to share the beauty and scale of our university. That said, I just discovered the Star Trek lobby in the basement of the Mazenkowski! It’s really neat.
What’s a kind gesture a colleague has done for you?
When my mother passed away unexpectedly, I was taken aback by how many of my U of A work friends showed up to her memorial service. Maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was touching and reminded me that my U of A family is an amazing group of people.
You have to give a presentation about something unrelated to work with zero preparation. What’s it about?
As a mother of teenagers, I give presentations all the time, though my usual audience isn’t always very receptive! I can talk ad nauseam about cleaning up after yourself, how screen time rots your brain and the value of chores. If I'm speaking to an external audience, I’m equally adept at giving an impromptu talk on gymnastics, cheerleading, Scouts and baseball, featuring my two favourite athletes.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
Adele. I love her strong vocals and would love to see her live. My daughter was just a baby when I discovered Adele, and her music would be on the radio while I was washing bottles and doing the dishes with my baby sitting in the bumbo beside me. Just the other day that same ‘baby’ was washing dishes and singing along to Adele on her Spotify playlist and it made me so happy!
What’s one book, podcast, movie, TV show or playlist you would recommend? Why?
I really love the podcast Real Talk with Ryan Jesperson. He’s a local former radio talk show host who does a great job of exploring local, national and international topics and brings on guests that cover both sides of a debate. I like that although he has his own opinions, he works hard to bring listeners enough information to make their own fact-based decisions.
What’s a hill you’re willing to die on?
The kitchen sink is not a storage facility for dirty dishes! I shouldn’t have to empty the kitchen sink to start cooking dinner.
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you are looking forward to at work?
I’ve just started my new role as ADM in the Department of Medicine. I am really looking forward to learning about everything they do and getting to see how this side of campus works.
How do you see your background in engineering supporting your success as you transition into your role with the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry?
Engineers are taught to think logically, consider risks and be creative when solving problems. I think those skills translate well into almost any situation, especially when it comes to breaking down complex challenges and working collaboratively with teams. Having been at the U of A for a while, I already have a strong foundational understanding of our university systems and how a teaching and research department operates. The biggest new layer for me in the Department of Medicine is seeing how deeply the clinical component is intertwined with everything we do, and I am really looking forward to taking that on!
Lightning round:
Introvert or extrovert? Ambivert
Planner or go-with-the-flow? Planner
Morning or evening? Night!
Summer or winter? Fall
Mountains or beach? Mountains
Camping or hotel? Camping
Live theatre or sports? Watching theatre, playing sports
Comedy or drama? Drama
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Sweet or savoury? Savoury
