Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario I have always been interested and passionate towards health and fitness. In May of 1989, I graduated with Honors and was one of only 7 successful graduates of the first of its kind Physical Fitness and Leisure Management Program. The program was a perfect fit since it was designed to produce graduates who would work directly in the health and fitness industry.

In October of 1989 AKFIT Consultants Inc was formed although the company focused on personal and corporate fitness. The need to provide quality exercise equipment and service for Northern Ontario became evident immediately and resulted in AKFIT growing to be Northern Ontario's largest fitness specialty store. Its success led to the opening of a second store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 2000.

Within the past 24 years I have had my achievements recognized and awarded by several organizations.

In 1995, I was nominated for the Ontario Premier's Award for graduates who have contributed and made outstanding achievements to the vitality of their community.

In 1999, I was awarded the Sudbury Business Women Entrepreneur of the Year, for exemplifying strong business achievements.

In 2004, I was nominated by the Royal Bank of Canada as a candidate for the Rotman Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year in the Innovation category.

In 2005, I was awarded the Northern Ontario Business Excellence Judges Choice Award.

In 2006, I was once again nominated for the Ontario Premier's Award for graduates who have contributed and made outstanding achievements to the vitality of their community.

In 2010, I was awarded the Bell Business Excellence Entrepreneur of the Year Award
In 2013 I was nominated for the Influential Women of Northern Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year

As part of my continuous involvement in the community I have personally coached numerous sports teams and have helped with fundraising efforts for many local causes. I also advocate for promoting health and fitness within the community.

• Active member since 1989, Physical Fitness and Leisure Management Advisory Committee for Cambrian College, presently Chair
• 2003, Chair of the Montessori School of Sudbury Marketing Committee
• 2003 member of the Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids Advisory Committee (community involvement and support in developing health programs for schools)
• 2004 Chair of the Montessori school of Sudbury Fundraising Committee
• 2004, Vice Chair Board of Directors, Montessori School of Sudbury
• 2005 Developed SchoolFit (this is a not-for-profit program designed to introduce fitness and physical activity in elementary schools)
• 2006 United Way/Centraide Campaign Chair Business Sector
• 2006 Parents council for St-Andrews School
• 2006-2007 Board Member City of Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce
• 2012 Guest speaker for Chamber of Commerce International Women's Day
• 2012 Guest Speaker for the 11th Annual Women of the Future Day

My greatest achievement to date came in 1998 in the birth of my daughter Hailey. Hailey has never made me feel guilty over the choices and decisions I have had to make as an entrepreneur. Her constant interest in AKFIT and support for me as often been the driving force behind my desire to succeed both at work and in life.