I’ve been supporting Andrea and The Get Real Team as an executive assistant since 2021. My career journey began in 2004 when I graduated from university and started supporting professionals across various industries. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills to become an efficient administrative ally.

I believe in continuous learning and seize every opportunity for professional development. I’ve attended numerous Executive Assistant conferences and workshops and am a member of several professional associations, including AAP and CAVA. I earned my Certified Canadian Administrative Professional (CCAP) certification in 2009 through the Association of Administrative Professionals and received my Diploma in Business Administration from McMaster University in 2013. I’ve been recognized as a semi-finalist in Canada’s Administrative Professional of the Year competition by AdminsRock in both 2023 and 2024 and ultimately was awarded the winning the title in 2024. These achievements reflect my dedication to my profession and my ongoing commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, I enjoy a fulfilling personal life. I married my husband, Tom, in 2009, and we have two children, a son born in 2014 and a daughter in 2016. In 2021, we welcomed a beautiful white domestic shorthair cat into our family (a unique story all its own). We love road trips and spending quality time together. I’ve always been an avid reader.

My Get Real Story

In early 2020, I considered my life to be a rather structured symphony of corporate routine. I thrived in the familiar rhythms of office life, being to go-to task master for administrative and executive support details and partaking in regular small talk with colleagues. A life of comfort, stability, and predictability—one I had worked hard to build over 15+ years.

Then, the world shifted on its axis as the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, and lockdowns, remote work, and social distancing became the new normal. As the days turned into weeks, then months, I began feeling restless. The comfort of my corporate job started to become very uncertain, and I was faced a true ‘get real’ moment.

One December morning, I was called into the office to meet with my Executive and HR, to be told that my role was being made redundant. Leading up to this fateful morning, I had already been feeling a sense of intuition and knowing that my life of comfort was about to shift and therefore had already been contemplating embracing some sort of change, whether I was ready to or not. Now was the time to walk the talk.

The jump from what was a secure world into unknown territories was daunting with financial uncertainty, a learning curve, and moments of self-doubt, but with each new challenge and opportunity came growth and discovering new talents. More importantly I have been able to redefine relationships with myself and others, connecting with a vibrant community of fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and clients, finding inspiration and camaraderie in their own stories. I’m learning more and more to value my own voice and continue to trust my own intuition. The freedom to choose my clients and projects has allowed me to align my work with my own passions and values which align so beautifully with what The Get Real Project is all about.

Getting a Little More Personal

Words people often use to describe me

Efficient, cooperative, honorable

What inspires me

People with a fearless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Observing the courage of others to embrace change and growth sparks a fire that fuels my own journey of learning and growth!

What brings me joy

A blend of personal connections, creative exploration, and intellectual curiosity forms the unique tapestry of my interests. Literary and cinematic fiction. Live-streamed court cases and true crime podcasts.

What anchors me

Together, my family and career. The love and support of my family provide a sense of stability and purpose that grounds me. Simultaneously, I take pride in my work and strive to maintain a strong professional reputation.

What drives me nuts

When communication, dialogue, and constructive conversations are neglected, resulting in unnecessary conflicts and challenges. I also don’t like being late to anywhere!

My guilty pleasure

Immersing myself in what some might call “cheap fiction” novels.  There is something incredibly relaxing and entertaining about getting lost in a straightforward, unapologetically fun story.

A favorite quote

“May I have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” – adapted from The Serenity Prayer, originally attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr

What I can’t do without

My family and our home. Though if we’re talking about work, I can do just about anything as long as I have my laptop, my phone, and a strong internet connection.

My secret ambition

To someday own and live in a Tiny Home (once my spouse and I are empty-nesters and our kids are grown).  Potentially something mobile allowing us to travel like a retrofitted school bus, or RV.