1. Where did you grow up and if you moved to Halifax, what brought you here?

I was raised in Bedford and moved to Cape Breton with my family around the age of 10, as my father accepted a job as the Town Engineer in Port Hawkesbury. I loved growing up in a small town!  I returned to Halifax for university and have lived in various places around Nova Scotia since, but I have always considered Halifax my home.

2. Can you highlight your education background and professional experience?

I started working in banking a few years after graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University. In the late ‘90s, I was part of a team that helped open a banking call centre right here in Halifax.  After that, I was licensed as a Mutual Funds Representative and soon transferred into a branch setting as a lending officer.  When the opportunity arose, I took a role managing satellite bank branches located across Halifax. As my career progressed, I found myself in a variety of roles within this bank. After 7 years, I moved to another bank to be a part of their management team. Here, I received the Branch Compliance Officer designation. I was in the role of Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Manager in different city and rural locations for this organization. It was all of this experience that led me to apply for and receive the Branch Manager role with CUA.

3. What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

There is no “regular” for me. You will often find me assisting our front-line staff, Financial Advisors and customers. I like to think of my role as the person who will remove obstacles so others can succeed. When it’s safe to do so, you may also find me outside the branch, meeting with small business owners or delivering financial literacy programming in the community. I love to help people — to see them gain a better understanding of how to manage their finances and achieve peace of mind or independence makes me feel fulfilled.

4. What is one piece of personal finance advice that you believe everyone should follow?

Understanding how credit (loans, mortgages and credit cards) work is very important. For instance, I believe everybody needs to understand how a credit card works, including what the grace period is and how interest is charged. Knowledge is invaluable.

5. Outside of your professional life, what are your favourite activities or hobbies? 

I love hiking with my dog — anywhere, anytime and in any kind of weather. I serve on several boards of directors including the Canadian Rights and Freedoms Centre, who promote and protect human rights, and the North End Opportunity Fund, who provide youth in North End Halifax the opportunity to participate in programs they otherwise would not be able to. I also spent time volunteering with Halifax’s Ward 5 before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and occasionally foster dogs for Save a Life Canada Animal Rescue Society.

6. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?  

Do I have to pick just one? I love Asian food, especially Indian. I’m not picky about whether I cook it myself or go out to eat, but I have been told I’m a pretty good cook.

7. Do you have a favourite small business that you visit regularly or would like to recommend?

I’m passionate about supporting small businesses. Some of my favourites right now are Espresso 46 in Halifax. They have the best Chai Latte! I also really enjoy Selby’s Bunker in Cole Harbour.  If you are up for a drive and enjoy gardening, I also highly recommend Oceanview Home and Garden in Chester. It is a family run business and they are absolutely amazing.

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