Q: Where were you born?
St. Catharines
Q: What drew you to journalism as a career?
I didn't feel destined to become a journalist, as many colleagues have told me they did. The idea was given to me by a teacher at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute who said I was cynical like a journalist (didn't enjoy me questioning his interpretation of what an author meant in the book we were dissecting). I hadn't figured out what I wanted to do career-wise at that point. I enjoyed writing – largely short stories and poetry – so I decided to give it a go and fell in love pretty quickly.
Q: Any favourite spots in Guelph?
There are many, but what I enjoy most is the variety of quality options. One of my favourite things to do is to check out new restaurants and try out their specialty cuisine or beverages. I've always loved the old buildings and cool little shops downtown, especially the cafes. Being a parent to two young children, I've grown to enjoy the park spaces in the city. Prior to the pandemic, I used to love taking them to different parks - big and small - to check out their different play structures.
Q: Best part of the job?
I enjoy the duties of community journalism from start to finish, from finding article inspirations to talking with people and gathering information, research, and the process of pulling it all together. But my absolute favourite thing is when something I've written leads to a positive impact on the community – not through the words I've typed, but the actions of those who read them and felt compelled to do something.
Q: Worst part of the job?
On the municipal matters beat, the most difficult part of the job is deciding what to use from an eight-hour budget meeting, because you can't use it all. The worst part of the job overall, from previous experience, is tracking down and speaking with family members after a tragedy takes a loved one. I've left many interviews completely heartbroken.
Q: Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Q: Favourite binge-worthy show?
Too hard to narrow it down to one. Here's five: Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, The Wire, first decade of The Simpsons, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Q: Read much?
I go in waves on this, but generally no. At least not beyond current events.
Q: Dream vacation?
I've always wanted to go to Japan.
Q: Working from home. Good or bad?
Two sides to that coin. The convenience of working from home is great, but I greatly miss the newsroom atmosphere.
Q: Three people from history you’d like to have dinner with?
Kurt Cobain, Albert Einstein and Reg Littler (my grandpa).
Q: Name something cool about Guelph?
Listening to people try to pronounce it for the first time.
Q: If you weren’t a reporter you would be a …?
Barista, perhaps.
Q: Food that brings back childhood memories?
Brussel sprouts ... and not in a good way.
Q: What’s something you’d like readers to know about your job?
We do it for you.
