First and foremost, I am a writer. I honed that skill over four decades in professional settings, first as a reporter/editor for the Canadian Press followed by senior communications positions in the public and private sectors – including the Office of the Ontario Premier, Toronto Community Housing, Credit Union Central of Ontario and the University of Toronto.
While I have a broad range of public affairs expertise, I am now focussing on my first love: writing and editing. My portfolio includes magazine features, annual reports, speeches, blogs, website copy, academic papers, newspaper columns, and scripts.
Armed with my CP Stylebook and an ability to quickly adapt to any style required, I am pleased to help you tell your story.
Some news! About three years ago, Bill Walker of @midtownprto connected me with Rob Jamieson, a career OPP officer with a story to tell. During Jamieson’s tenure as President of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, the OPP was shaken to its core in 2018 by a spate of mental health crises. Rob and his team at the OPPA quickly responded by founding Encompas, a “wraparound” mental health service for association members and their families. This unprecedented eco-system of care is now literally saving lives, and its service model is being replicated for other first responders in Ontario.
In 2022, Rob asked me to help him tell his story and how he and the OPPA came to champion mental health wellness in the first responder community. The end result is In Pursuit of Mental Wellness in the First Responder Community. All proceeds from sales of the book will go to three non-profit organizations that provide support to police officers and their families in times of crisis – Boots On The Ground, Canada Beyond The Blue, and SOLE (Survivors of Law Enforcement Ontario).
It was a true privilege to work on this project. Thank you, Rob, for the opportunity to work with you to bring more attention to the mental health needs of first responders. Thank you, Bill Walker, for connecting us. And a big thank you to John Gordon for his editing expertise. It has been a ride.
