My Story
I grew up in Canada, where I studied music from an early age, eventually graduating from the University of Toronto with a Ph.D. in musicology (the history and culture of music). After moving to Maine with my husband to start a family, I continued teaching, writing, and editing, eventually starting my own business, Muse Communications. I wrote for a wide range of publications, from program notes for the Covent Garden Opera House to Parenting magazine. Raising a family was like a second education, and I soon got involved in the Montessori school where my children were enrolled.
After working as Education Coordinator at Bay Chamber Concerts for a few years, I was hired as the Head of School at the Kennebec Montessori School where I served for 12 years, managing a growing non-profit organization with all the challenges of marketing and development, strategic planning and supporting a team of amazing teachers. I also have experience with volunteer management and led two successful accreditation cycles. During my tenure, we introduced new programs, saw a 30% growth in our students and conducted a fundraising campaign that enabled us to construct a new wing to accommodate our growing school.
Along the way, I found yoga and meditation to be incredibly helpful in navigating the ups and downs of my personal and professional life. In 2018, I completed a 200 hour teacher training certification.
Now, I am using my skills and experience to help other non-profits achieve their goals, and have worked with clients in the areas of homeless services, youth development, education, arts, and the environment.
I ran for city councilor in 2020 because of the needs I saw in my community; a year later, I became the first woman to be elected as council chair in Waterville. Over the past three years, I have chaired several committees, including the Waterville Housing Committee, and have enjoyed connecting partners across sectors to collaborate on common problems. In 2023, I was honored to receive the Community Champion Award from the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter.
My most recent community project is the Elm City Community Music School, a non-profit organization that I co-founded with two partners to create more opportunities for people of all ages to make music in the Greater Waterville area.
Elm City Community Music School: https://www.elmcitymusic.org/
