She received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen's University, Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor and Master of Education from Queen's University. She began as a primary classroom teacher and quickly transitioned into special education working with students with a variety of exceptionalities. She then moved to a consulting position at the Algonquin and Lakeshore CDSB intensively supporting staff and administration working with students on the autism spectrum as well as students with developmental disabilities. Part of this role included working closely with community partners to successfully transition students with exceptionalities to school for the first time.