As a professional coach I draw upon my life experiences working with parents, children and young adult staff through my 25 years of owning and operating Camp Manitou, an overnight summer camp whose mandate was to remove children from the digital world and allow them to flourish in a setting of the outdoors, with nature where cell phones and social media were not permitted.
Prior to this, I worked for 14 years in three other vocations. I received my law degree from Osgoode Hall and realized very quickly this career was not aligned with my strengths and values. I then ran a small real estate development company and then became the CEO of Canada’s first web site development company. I then felt it was time at age 39 to pursue my dream career of running and operating Camp Manitou.
This career was the best decision of my life. As someone who has experienced four different careers, I understand the value of having the courage to make changes in one’s life to follow your dream and obtain fulfillment. In addition, through my first-hand experience as a parent myself, and through owning and co-directing Camp Manitou for 25 years, I have gained extensive experience and wisdom in the areas of the affect of social media on children, teens, and young adults. The impact it has had on child-rearing, and the family challenges that can result , along the affect on one’s the mental health.
My coaching practise has a focus on developing strategies for individuals, families, parents and children to detox from the digital world while learning how to minimize the demands that arise from instant communication in our daily lives. This in turns allows for healthy relationships, positive growth and ultimate happiness.
