About Me



The Basics



I live in Toronto with my husband and daughter. I grew up in northern Ontario and came south to study dance at York University in 1975.



Move



I came to movement quickly as a youngster through small town running around, easy access to skiing, skating, swimming, golf, team sports and gymnastics in highschool.



Dance



I showed off to my teenage sister’s friends when they played their rock & roll music in the early 60’s, had a year of ballet as an 8 year old, did floor exercise and musicals in highschool. I jumped into the dance program at York U as a total novice and have danced ever since.



Play



I have played in many forms of dance and movement: Gabrielle Roth’s 5 Sacred Rhythms, Yoga, Tai Chi, Clowning, Pilates, Butoh and performance. Watching the physical play of puppies, seals and children has always inspired me!



Nia & Me



I began teaching Nia in 1996. One class was all it took to create a resounding ‘Yes!’ in my body/mind/spirit connection and start me on my way to complete the Nia Training curriculum – White, Blue, Brown, Black, Green & 1st Degree Black. I was a Nia White Belt Trainer from 2003-2023 and a Green Belt Trainer from 2009- 2018. I continue to be inspired by and dedicated to my Nia practice.



Community



I love to build connection in small and large ways. I’ve lived in Tarragon Village, a small neighbourhood in Toronto, for 30 years and am chair of our community association. I started a community garden during Covid; I co-produced The Vagina Monologues in 2013 as a fundraiser for Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter; I am part of a flash mob dance for Seniors for Climate Action and am on the Board of Directors for the Tarragon Theatre.



Speaking from the Heart



Words, language, creative writing are all very important to me. I have participated in a writing circle for eight years and I love the way we use images and poetic ideas to inform our movement in our Nia practice. I am a trained CTI coach where I learned the importance of a thoughtful question. I recently shared my story of Alopecia to a Spoken Lives evening of storytelling.

My Hair Story – Stepping into Beauty



Language & Travel



I speak enough French to get by and am learning Spanish with my husband. I spent a month in Oaxaca, Mexico last winter to study. My family and I have visited many countries and I have visited many communities across Canada to offer trainings and Nia classes. Next up! A month in Thailand and a month in Mexico in the winter of 2026.



My purpose statement



Over the years I’ve played with words to create statements that serve as a guiding light for my actions. Currently? “My purpose is to be an improvising wizard, igniting life with creativity and love.”