About
My Roots as an Outdoor Professional
My love of the outdoors began in my youth, growing up in Sturgeon Falls, ON. Playing outside was fundamental, especially at my family cabin bordering the Temagami wilderness area. This is where the seed as an outdoor enthusiast took root. From a young age, I trained in multiple sports disciplines; competitive swimming, team sports and javelin throwing - experiences from which my passion for human movement grew. In grade 12, I took part in a school curriculum field trip (Healthy Living, Personal and Fitness Activities with a focus on mountain biking) which took place at the Creative Wheel Centre, in Val-des-Monts, QC. This outdoor experiential learning weekend inspired me to pursue my internship with Creative Wheel, as part of my studies in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa.
Since graduating in 2019 and moving to the Gatineau Hills, I continue to establish my kinesiology practice in outdoor recreational modalities, including mountain biking, nordic skiing and outdoor adventure.
Seasonal Coaching
When the snow comes, I focus on nordic ski coaching, for both skate and classic technique, as a CANSI Level 2 Instructor. As Spring emerges, and the trails dry, my focus shifts to mountain bike coaching, certified by PMBIA and the NCCP. Through my coaching, I promote responsible human movement by focusing on technique development & fitness principles. These elements go hand in hand in preventing accidents and athletic injuries.
I have witnessed the inherent risks of outdoor sports, as a first responder in The Gatineau Park and on the Rideau Canal Skateway, as well as in my personal outdoor adventure endeavours.
Safety protocols are a key part of my approach as an outdoor kinesiologist and certified Wilderness First Responder.
Evolving Eco Consciousness
It is important for me to tread lightly when I play in the great outdoors. At the age of 18, I witnessed with great sadness, my first 'clear cut' as a tree planter - it had a profound effect on my ecological consciousness. That experience became a driving force in my own research and experiments for reducing my ecological footprint.
I continue to refine my life skills to take better care of this planet we call home. This winter, with lack of snow and ice, I have experienced an even greater shift in my awareness. In the face of climate change, I continue to expand my engagement in eco-conscious projects.
Completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award (2020-21), with a focus on forest & farm stewardship, trail maintenance, gardening, bike repairs and coaching mountain biking skills at the Creative Wheel Centre (a recognized Duke of Ed Centre), helped me become a conscious leader.
In 2023, I restored a 75 year old cedar canvas canoe, an intergenerational heritage project.
In Spring 2025 I will be releasing my documentary film called
Labour of Love, Legacy Lives | Restoring a Cedar Canvas Canoe.
