About RAMS for Life

People always say "high school is the best years of your life" -  while they aren't the only best years, but they were ones that feel like yesterday. The friends I had then, are still friends now. I loved playing football, going to all the school activities, the parties (oh the parties), and of course the feeling of being the "king of the castle". So having the opportunity now to help out the younger Rams, was a no brainer.

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I spent 23 years working for the Ford Motor Company; went to college in my 40s and now work as a Civil Engineer for Parsons. I enjoy going to the football games, spending time with old friends. I now live in Paynes Mills, with Heather and our daughter Avery.

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“Does she even go here?” The answer: not really. Most will not recognize me from Laurier because I was a Crusader, but I am a proud mom who supports any school and organization my kids attend or participate with. I have a deep love for football, a calling for volunteerism to help others. I am the Executive Assistant for the London Jr. Mustangs Board and liaison to The London Beefeaters (current Board Secretary) and the London Minor Football Association. It’s an absolute privilege to work with coaches, staff and children from 7-23 years old and at all levels of the sport. By day, I am a mom of 4 teenagers and work full time as a non-occupational disability claim manager. 

One thing is for sure. High school at Laurier was a blast. Had so much fun playing sports,
partying, and working part time at McDonald’s that school seemed to be number four on that list. After graduating and figuring out that it was time to get serious, I ended up becoming a
Chartered Professional Accountant a few years later and then I completed an Executive MBA at Queen’s University.

My business career has been an amazing experience.  After travelling extensively for work over many years, it was time to slow down, give back to the community and be home more. For the last 5 years, I have been the Chief Financial Officer at Goodwill Industries in London. I have also volunteered by coaching in Lambeth Minor Hockey and holding Board of Directors or Committee roles for the Guelph Humane Society and YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. Kim and I have two boys, Luke 17 and Jack 16 who have kept us busy over the years with their competitive hockey, baseball, football, and golf.

Yes, I am not technically a Ram but I am married to one. I was happy to lend a hand to get the association going - we saw a need and said we have to do something. So the delegation began, and here I am! 

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This is in my wheelhouse though; I have spent the last 25 years working in the not-for-profit sector for fund development, communications and marketing. I am currently the National Manager for Steps for Life; the national fundraiser for Threads of Life. For fun, Jamie, myself and our daughter, Avery,  love travelling, camping, and simply hanging out with family and friends. And we are looking forward to our family now helping the Ram Family.

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High school for me were some of the best years, but some of the hardest too.  It’s a time when you are trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be.  A lot of pressure!  But with all of that pressure, I could not have asked for a better circle of people to be there.  Rams are Rams for life and despite how life changes, as we get older, and people come in and out of our lives, Rams are still there for one another. 

I have been with Liberty Staffing Services for almost 20 years. I am very grateful to be able to have a job where I can help make a difference in people’s lives.  My kids, well they aren’t kids anymore.  I love spending time with my son (25) and daughter (23).  My favourite downtime is with my family and just being together.  

When I look back at my time at Laurier there were a lot of good times and some rocky times. I didn't play sports or join clubs. But I made a lot of friends hanging out in " The Pit" . Lots of memorable parties, school dances going to a lot of football and hockey games cheering on the mighty Rams. Still go to games today when I can. But my most memorable moment came when I was a rebellious teen and wanted to drop out of school. My grade 11 English teacher Mrs Young convinced me not to and to stay in school. I am so grateful to her for that! The last few years at Laurier were a blast. 

Life after Laurier saw me in a variety of jobs. In a factory to roofing to becoming a Maintenance Technician ( a Jack of all trades and a master of none). Eventually getting married to an amazing wife and having three amazing daughters. Sadly tragedy struck and some fellow Rams were there in my time of need. Rams family for life. That's why when the Rams Alumni was created. I had to join and become a member. I didn't participate much back in high school. So here is my chance to help out my fellow Rams Family.