Magic Moment: I have been a life-long advocate of environmental planning. In my early profession, it was an uphill battle to explain the value of environmental planning as a key to great communities. I have had so many magical moments as young planners come to me to express the desire to follow this path and expand our knowledge of resilient and sustainable community planning practices.

Key Influence: Ian McCarg – Designing WITH nature… it empowered me.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to remember we are a bio-region – to plan with nature, we need to look at natural and physical systems. Don’t get me wrong, I support and appreciate our focus on intensification and downtowns but we rely on the regional landscape for our health = for our water, food, resources – cement, salt, glass. We can’t turn a blind eye to where our city-building and support systems come from.

Secret Talent: I raise chickens and grow hops!

On Championing Others… I instigated a foundational program at Dillon to attract and retain women (WiD/Women in Dillon) that has shown significant, progressive change in supporting woman to achieve leadership roles at Dillon and to enshrine progressive policy for flexibility. I am a lifelong mentor to women in planning.

One word that captures you: Collaborative