Hello

My preparation to be a leader began young through 4-H. This organization for rural youth has learning leadership built into every meeting and experience. I value the lessons I learned as a young person so much that I continue to lead 4-H today. It was within the agricultural community when I was first asked to contribute to future planning as a youth representative. Starting life on the Teefy family farm south of Lindsay prepared me well for future success.

Professionally, I utilized my university degree in mathematics to inspire children in elementary school. The “Aha” moments in the classroom were my favourite. I also enjoyed working with adults in my roles as a Math Consultant teaching teachers and as an Instructor in the Academic Upgrading Program at Fleming College. My nine years working at the Centreton Branch of the Alnwick Haldimand Library were wonderful! As Project Manager at the Cathedral I was able to use my skills while working with a committed team, and expand my capacity to see things successfully completed.

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1992 was a pivotal year. I married Jim O'Neill and we moved to Alnwick Haldimand. Six wonderful children came along over the years filling our home with love, laughter and friends. My family is my greatest joy. I am truly blessed.

My community involvement in Alnwick Haldimand over the past 34 years encompasses many wonderful years participating and leading the Grafton Play Group, 10 years on the Executive of the Colborne, Cramahe, Haldimand Soccer Association where I also coached for some of those years, 10 years on the Centreton Community Centre Committee and 5 years on the Haldimand Court Apartments Board. Currently, I am in my 15th year as a 4-H leader and my 8th year in the Northumberland 4-H Association where I am currently the Secretary. I am in my 7th year on The Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland Board where I am currently the Vice President. Through the Recreation Committee I have been instrumental in our celebrations of community and country with our Canada Day event in Grafton and our Christmas gathering in Roseneath. I enjoy being part of the Centreton Connections group and volunteering at the Roseneath Fair.

Being on Council this term has given me a strong understanding of what is required of a member of Council. I am very proud that my Motion: Tracking Report for Outstanding Motions passed this spring and is being implemented. This Report provides an overview of the many and varied items dealt with by Council. Being part of The Intermunicipal Task Force on Housing and Homelessness, Physicians Recruitment and attending various municipal conferences has given me a strong understanding and appreciation of my role on Council.