I was born into and grew up in a traditional mainline
(Presbyterian) Christian home in southwestern Ontario, Canada. We
went to church services and Sunday school weekly, and I attended
VBS and Christian camps in the summer. Attendance at local public
elementary and high schools consumed most of my time in my early
years. As a child I was a part of my neighborhood 'Brownie'
pack, and also enjoyed swimming, dancing, and piano lessons. I
loved being in recitals, parades, and plays. My life long love of
reading started early, and I was a regular visitor to my local
public library. I spent the summers of my teen years as a lifeguard
at local community pools and Christian camps.
I lived in the city of Hamilton, Ontario for the first ten years of my life. We then moved to a rural area in southwestern Ontario. Both my parents grew up on farms and I spent many holidays and summer vacations with my 'country cousins'. I believe these contexts have contributed to me feeling comfortable in and appreciating both urban and rural settings.
I am profoundly grateful for my family, my heritage, and the many experiences and opportunities of my life so far.