London Chapter coordinator
What is your job description at LO?
I work part time with the London Chapter board as a satellite chapter coordinator, assisting with planning and implementing chapter events, seminars, meetings, branding, member concerns and questions and home office initiatives.
What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO?
I returned to school for a career change from administration and being a stay-at-home mom of three boys. I graduated from the horticulture program at Fanshawe College in 2006. During my last year of school, I was the LO student chapter president. I was invited to attend LO board meetings, where I was able to learn a great deal about the association and heard of an employment opportunity as a chapter coordinator. I applied for the position, and was hired in May 2006. I also worked at Canadale Nurseries for three years during my time at school, where I enjoyed testing my knowledge and assisting customers, as well as displaying my creativity by creating container pots and merchandise displays.
When not at work, where can you be found?
In the summer, I spend many tranquil moments in my garden, taking day trips, visiting with friends, or spending time with my family enjoying the outdoors. In the winter, I tend to hibernate, catch-up on reading and take a trip or two out of country to satiate my travel bug.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a police detective, like Cagney and Lacey. I was Cagney, of course.
What inspires you during your time at LO?
Getting to know the members and offering my assistance to help them utilize their membership to its fullest potential. There is such a range of skills, knowledge and passion within the membership. While everyone has different needs, the goals are the same, which by being members of LO they can achieve those goals. Members are busy people, and if I can make things easier for them I will, by keeping them informed of important current events, being a local contact for questions or concerns, meeting them face to face and connecting members with members. There are a lot of members whom I have not met, and I hope that they will attend at least one of our chapter meetings this year to see what a great networking and educational opportunity these meetings provide. Please join us!
Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.
This movie has stuck with me from a young age, and is not very well known — it’s called
The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao, featuring Tony Curtis and Barbara Eden. I have a wide taste in music and most times I couldn’t tell you what musical group sings what song, but I do tend to listen to
smoothjazz.com a lot. As for TV, when I have time, it’s
House and
Two and a Half Men. I believe, to date, that three staff member profiles rate this show the top.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to backpack in Europe, starting with Italy. I also sponsor a boy in Indonesia, through World Vision, and would like to visit his village some day.
Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you.
I also work full-time as a horticulturist/stewardship coordinator for a gated golf course community in London, where I supervise a team of five, maintaining 230-plus residential gardens. As a steward, I help maintain our Audubon status, which is the implementation of responsible management of land, water, wildlife and natural resources to maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem.
http://auduboninternational.org/index.html.
I would like to add a question: What is your most enjoyable experience with LO so far?
Attending Congress and the Tailgate party, where you get education, interaction with other members and staff, one stop shopping. It’s a great social networking opportunity, all in one spot.
