Education: Doctor of optometry, University of Waterloo (2007)
Biggest business achievement: Growing Merivale Vision Care to a team of 27.
Biggest obstacle overcome: Building the business while being an attentive parent to our three children.
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Giving Guide: The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
What we do The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa (ADO) focuses on compassionately caring for vulnerable people. Our ministries are dedicated to supporting those struggling with poverty, mental illness, addiction, and
Giving Guide: Help Our Students Program
What we do The Help Our Students Program provides $1,600 awards to hard-working students living in difficult financial circumstances in order to help them graduate high school. The recipients, selected
Biggest influences: My father, who fostered the love of vision care and entrepreneurship at an early age. On the personal side, my husband has been the biggest influence. He is the kindest, wisest and smartest person I know.
Most important lesson I’ve learned in business: Always tackle issues right away in a direct, honest way. I learned that avoiding difficult conversations or dancing around the truth does not serve anyone and can act as a barrier to progress.
First job: Selling eyeglasses at Optique Le Cartier in Montreal in 1995.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be more assertive – it is possible to do so with kindness if you are well-practised.
Favourite pastime: Listening to music with my family. Dance parties are a serious business in our home.
I’m currently reading: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
