'I got hooked on creative writing in the first fiction writing workshop class I took'
Q: What is your education and background?
A: I was born and raised in Calgary, AB. I have a BA in English (Creative Writing) and a BFA in Visual Art (Photography) from the University of Calgary, as well as an MA in English (Creative Writing) from the University of New Brunswick. I’ve been teaching in the OC English department since 2011.
Q: What is your area of interest?
A: I like to juggle a few disciplines in both the literary and visual arts. I teach courses in composition, English literature, creative writing and publishing. I also teach courses in design and drawing. I’m always excited by opportunities that allow for these disciplines to intersect.
Q: When did you know you had found your discipline?
A: I got hooked on creative writing in the first fiction writing workshop class I took at the University of Calgary with Suzette Mayr in 2004. It’s hard to believe that was 17 years ago!
Q: Why did you choose to work at Okanagan College?
A: The Writing and Publishing Diploma program at OC is so uniquely suited to my cross-disciplinary skill-set that I couldn’t believe my luck! Also, Kelowna is a pretty incredible place to live.
Q: What do you like most about the work you do?
A: Connecting with students. Year after year, they never fail to inspire me!
Q: Favourite teaching experience?
A: Talking about Margaret Atwood’s “The Age of Lead” with a group of first-year creative writing students and seeing their awe and excitement as we unpacked its many brilliant layers.
Q: Who gave you the best advice you ever received?
A: My mom. “All you can do is your best.”
Q: What advice do you have for new students?
A: The first year is the hardest. Keep working at it and you will hit your stride!
Q: Why do you think people should study Arts?
A: To develop critical thinking skills. To cultivate empathy. Ultimately, to become a better human being.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?
A: I would probably revisit some situations, particularly in my youth, when I could have been kinder.
Q: Where are you the happiest?
A: Either in the middle of a forest or the top of a mountain.
Writing and Publishing Diploma
There's more to writing and publishing than you think. This two-year diploma blends study in English, creative writing, editing, and communications theory with applied technical skills in graphic design, typography, coding and book publishing.