Conference and event coordinator

What is your job description at LO?

I coordinate the Awards of Excellence programs and ceremonies, and manage the Congress and Expo conferences and symposia, including annual sector symposia and special events, such as the Growers Research Auction. I also provide support to the public relations department and Canada Blooms. In the past, I have served as LO’s membership coordinator, as well as the chapter coordinator.
 

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO?

I have been at Landscape Ontario for so long, it’s hard to remember life before it. Eleven years ago I was owner and operator of a small garden design company, with a background in business and tourism. The focus of my business was residential and small scale commercial. My niche in the market involved planting plans and annual design. It’s a very long story how I came to stay at Landscape Ontario, but basically it started when I met Denis Flanagan, LO’s director of public relations, and it all spiralled from there. For a number of years, I worked at LO during the day, and ran my business at night and on weekends. Eventually I decided that this is where I want to be, though I still get a little twitchy every spring!
 

When not at work, where can you be found?

With my family. I met my husband when I was 18 and we have been together ever since. (Don’t attempt the math!) My daughter is 3 ½ and my son is a whopping 15 months. I don’t know where the time goes, but I try and freeze it whenever possible and enjoy every moment with them that I can afford.
 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The Queen of England (or the fairies). And I meant it too. I think my family would agree we’re all glad that it didn’t work out.
 

What inspires you during your time at LO?

This is home. Horticulture is a part of me. The community here, both the staff and members, are like family. It’s often a gigantic dysfunctional one, but family nonetheless. The passion that drives them also drives me.
 

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.

Sadly, my favourite would have to be any movie or TV shows that I have the rare opportunity to watch from start to finish (aside from Backyardigans). Bless the DVR. Music – well, even though Itsy Bitsy Spider is on perpetual loop, I like to rock out to Hot Potato or Wiggle Your Toes every now and then.
 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A few years ago I would have answered — back to Italy! But these days, honestly – my own backyard....for an entire week in early June, with a mix of sun and cloud, a light breeze and a perfect 25 degrees; with no interruptions. Just me, lots of shiny tools, soil mix and a whole mess of bedding plants. That would be fabulous.
 

Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you.

If I gave away my secrets, what fun would that be? Imagination is a gift.