Meet Our Staff!

In my second year as Commodore, I am still growing in the role to support our Head Coach, Patrick Lester and collaborating with our incredible volunteer Board of Directors. Our three children began with the club as an off-season sport. They were all swimmers. They now all participate in the year round program, which is an amazing opportunity to cross-train in the winter season. The children have spent many years enjoying the Mississippi River and the programs that have brought them life skills, ways to hone their athletic talent, job experiences and lifelong friendships. What better way is there to spend your summer days than swimming and paddling on the Miss’ as the birds chirp, the wind blows through the trees and the sun shines on your face. 

As for myself, I have been teaching and coaching multiple sports for over thirty years. My role is a Social Emotional Learning Teacher with focus on student behaviour and mental health and well-being support. I’m a former National Team Beach Volleyball member and I hope to use my own experiences to support Pat and all of our coaches and athletes as they continue along their journey in sport.

Our family has been part of CPCC for over 10 years.  As avid white water canoers in BC, my husband and I told our four kids they had no choice but to be canoers. Clearly they listened!  Our family has enjoyed many years of training, cross-training, competing, volunteering and summer work at the club which has created great memories, friendships and lifelong skills. As a second year volunteer on the Board, I am excited to be working with a fantastic team of volunteers, as well as, having the opportunity to contribute to CPCC and our paddling community. We are so lucky to have CPCC on our doorstep and hope your family enjoys the years and experience as much as mine has. 

This is my first year on the board after many years volunteering with the club in other various capacities.  All three of my children at one time or another have enjoyed the benefits of paddling.  My girls are older now but started in the day camp programs many years ago.  My son started the same way and found his passion in the canoe. He has been a member of the year-round sprint program for several years now.

As for my background, one can say I grew up on the water in a recreational capacity by canoeing nearly all the lakes in Algonquin Park and the entire length of the Mississippi River more than once.  I lost touch with the paddling sport at university as I stretched my shyness into leading the sports program for the University.  In that capacity, I was able to bring many sports to all levels of enthusiasts; from the competitive to those who just wanted to build their athleticism and friendship amongst the community. I was so proud of my kids when they started with the club, and I cannot think of a better way to spend summers than on the Mississippi.

I hope in my capacity on the board I can help the paddling sport live on for many years to come. I hope to see you out this summer cheering on our athletes from the shores, volunteering at the regattas, helping at many other club events or paddling yourself. By the way, one of the best seats in the house to watch the race up close is on a safety or official boat – hope to see you there.  

This is my second year with the board, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute and give back to the club. Our family joined the club 12 years ago, and I only wish we discovered it sooner! Our son spent over a decade with the club, training and competing at regional, provincial and national events. Our daughter is entering her third year with the Sprint Program (U12) and enjoys her time on the water during the spring, summer and fall training programs. The CPCC provides her with cross-training opportunities which support her performance as a competitive dancer and hockey player (and vice versa). We are quite fortunate to have this amazing club here in our community that is grounded by professional coaches who foster athlete development, health, personal strength and comradery.

This will be my first year on the board and third season in the Adult Sprint Canoe/Kayak Program (Masters). I love what CPCC brings to the community and you’ll see me on the water most weekends this summer. I’m excited to have the opportunity to support the club and represent the interest of the Master’s (ACK) athletes at CPCC.

Proud dad of three athletes, former strength athlete and learning more about this great water sport.