As a proud mom of 3 children, and 1st generation Canadian, Catherine was fortunate to grow up with strong family support within a multi-generational family. She moved to the Sunshine Coast over 30 years ago and quickly put her volunteering efforts to work. She created a support group for parents/caregivers of children on the autism spectrum and was the local liaison for Family Support Institute. Catherine’s early connection to Sunshine Coast Community Services is twofold – as a parent accessing their many children’s programs and as a volunteer for Family Based Victim Services. She returned to school and completed her certificate/training to work as an Education Assistant. In her fifteen years working within SD46, Catherine witnessed firsthand the impact lack of stable housing had on a student’s daily life and their constant struggles to maintain positive social and educational outcomes. It is Catherine’s belief that stable and secure housing is an inherent expectation of any child and should not be conditional on financial ability. “The physical structure of a dwelling provides the framework and foundation for a more positive pathway and a chance to live life to one’s true potential.”
When she is not busy assisting customers or creating beautiful spaces merchandising her store, you can find Catherine at the local aquatic center where she begins her day swimming “meditative” laps and enjoying relaxing moments in the hot tub. She enjoys visits with her sisters, dinners out, card games with friends, a round of golf on a sunny day or road trips to visit her children.
