Class Notes

I recently completed my doctoral studies at the University of Western Ontario. My research explored leadership for inclusivity and belonging in Canadian independent schools. I currently serve as Head of Senior School at Trinity College School in Port Hope, where I continue to champion excellence and innovation in education. 

Starting a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Studies at Trent in 2017 was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. Not only did it lead me to some of the best people in my life and ignite an unexpected love of travel, but it also set me on career path that feels full of possibility. During my degree at Trent I chose to study abroad in Sogndal, Norway, where I combined incredible fieldwork with international collaboration— and experience that sparked my ambition to do “big things”. After graduating, I moved to Malta to pursue a master’s degree in oceanography, focusing on validating model and satellite data in the Mediterranean Sea.

After 30 years in education, I started an operational advising firm called Venture Gained Consulting (www.venturegained.ca) in Victoria, BC. I'm helping school, university, camp and non-profit organization leaders navigate their weekly challenges and opportunities, as they operationalize their strategic plans. It's great fun to work with amazing leaders and organizations all over North America, and has connected me with loads of Trent alumni, who are everywhere...and especially in the world of education and working with young people. 

In July 2005, I began researching my ancestors’ involvement in the 1825 Peter Robinson emigration experiment, which relocated 2024 impoverished, Irish tenant-farmers from Ireland to Canada. It was a sunny afternoon when I first visited the Peterborough Museum and Archives to investigate the topic. I began by searching through documents for information about my father’s paternal ancestors, surname English, but discovered that it was his mother’s grandparents, Patrick and Margaret Heffernan, who had been participants. I was interested in not only the facts but in how the participants must have been feeling and thinking while completing this monumental uprooting and life-changing journey.

Being a student at Trent University changed my life. As a mature student and single mom of two, it gave me a purpose for my pain and skills to be able to assist others. Going to university and getting my Bachelor of Science in Nursing is one of the things I am most proud of, and it has only added to the advocacy I have been doing for survivors of sexual trauma and harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces since 1998. The Paul Harris Fellow is given to deserving individuals who demonstrate service above self, and this year I received this honour in the area of vocation from the Kawartha Rotary Club.

I came to Peterborough for Trent University and fell in love with the city, never wanting to leave. We have just celebrated 25 years in business with Flavour Fashion and have since opened two other downtown businesses in Peterborough. Flavour offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and footwear that reflects both current trends and timeless classics. Balancing business with family life, I enjoy spending weekends exploring Peterborough's scenic spots with friends and family.