Our Staff

I began serving People, Words & Change in 1988, first as a volunteer and then on the Board of Directors. In January 1990, International Literacy Year, I was hired as a part-time Education Counsellor. Now, 20 years later, with the recent retirement of our long-time Program Coordinator, Kae McColl, I am taking on the challenge of being the Coordinator of PWC. I have always believed that PWC is an excellent program that serves the needs of people who, for whatever reason, cannot attend classes. Our staff is supportive, hard working, and caring and brings a wealth of expertise to offer our students and tutors. Our tutors are dedicated and committed to helping students improve their skills. As for our students, they are remarkable in their determination to reach their goals. Working in this environment is truly an honour and a joy!

With a varied background in teaching, community television, working in the federal government, archeology, mother, and elevator operator, I first joined PWC as a volunteer tutor and then as a Board Member in 1989. I joined the staff as an Education Counsellor in 1991. Now semi-retired, I work part-time as the computer instructor in the PWC computer lab, helping students learn basic computer skills. I live in the Prescott-Russell countryside with two cats.

I joined the People Words & Change team in the fall of 2007.  Prior to joining PWC, I taught English as a Second Language to new immigrants to Canada in Ottawa area LINC Programs. Helping adults achieve their language and literacy goals, whether English is their first or second language, is incredibly inspiring and rewarding. Doing this in a friendly, positive, and dynamic work environment makes PWC a pleasure to come to every day!

Working at People Words & Change is a real privilege since I am relatively new to the field. I started as a volunteer tutor in late 2006 and also began taking courses towards a certificate as an Adult Literacy Educator. I finished the program in the summer of 2009 and began working as the part-time Office Manager at PWC the same August. My background is in visual communications and I have been working as a photo editor and photography consultant for many years. I hope that my previous experience, combined with new knowledge and skills, will enable me to assist PWC achieve its goals.

I was introduced to PWC upon arriving in Ottawa fifteen years ago and have watched the program grow and change over the years. I have spent most of my time in Ottawa teaching English to newcomers to Canada while moonlighting as a musician and visual artist. Helping people gain new skills, confidence, and a greater sense of independence is ever-humbling and extremely satisfying. I’ve always had great admiration for the people at PWC. Needless to say, I am very pleased to be welcomed as the new ‘kid on the block’.