I’m a story catalyst. I can work with you to find and tell your essential stories, the ones that will move you forward, and inspire others to act with you.

When I worked as a singer-songwriter I used to get on stage to tell my own stories. Later, as a radio documentary maker and broadcaster, I told other people’s stories. Along the way I worked in leadership – developing teams, projects, and radio shows. Oh, and way back I also got a degree in occupational therapy and found out that I loved studying the brain! 

Somewhere along the way, I lost the thread, the plot to my own story. You know, the one that tells you who you are, why you do the work you do, and why it matters. Maybe you have been there?

I found that thread again when I took the time to listen to my own story and to connect my story to the community I wanted to work with – and the transformation I hoped to see in this world. 

When I launched The Story Source, I knew I wanted to work with people who were intent on growing their own capacity and increasing the impact of their work through story. People like you, making a difference where you are.

I pulled all those skills and experiences together – as an entrepreneur, award-winning CBC producer, songwriter and storyteller, documentary maker, performer and leader. No, I didn’t have it all together, but the way unfolded with every new project, workshop, and opportunity to work with committed leaders, community movers and shakers, and entrepreneurs.

The people I work with hone their storytelling and listening skills so they can deepen their abilities to connect, communicate, and call others to action. Some use these skills to build teams, some to grow stronger communities. Others apply these skills on all kinds of stages (real and metaphorical!) to connect authentically and memorably with their audiences.

Sometimes I bring my signature workshops to organizations, and at other times we co-create something new. I have led the training for The Winnipeg Foundation’s highly successful capacity-building coaching program, Fast Pitch. I’ve worked in partnership with Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Youth Agency Alliance and Volunteer Manitoba to develop and deliver story-based programming for youth and young adults. I’ve designed and led community consultations, conference sessions and staff retreats.

I work primarily in groups. That makes facilitation – which is all about connection – integral to what I do. Over the years, I’ve taken courses to understand how adults engage and learn. I’ve taken, and then taught, courses in practical facilitation skills. I have worked with the Art of Gathering community of practice and I have collaborated closely with Indigenous colleagues in the practice of sharing circles. And every time I have co-designed community consultations and strategic sessions for organizations and businesses, my own capacity to facilitate has grown.

Since the world went remote, I have immersed myself in online facilitating. I have moved from completely panicking that I wouldn’t be able to carry on with my business, to having more clients and a much wider geographical reach than I could have imagined. And that experience has led me to develop training so that you can level up your facilitation skills too.

Through all the turns I’ve taken, I’ve kept learning. Most of that learning happens right on the job – nothing replaces the school of life – but I am also committed to life-long learning. I’ve taken courses in how adults learn, studied Public Narrative with Marshall Ganz through Harvard Kennedy School, continue to attend reconciliation workshops with Returning to Spirit, and recently completed a course called “Hosting Powerful Conversations: Intro to World Cafe & Open Space Tech” at Simon Fraser University.

Working with you to build connection and capacity. 

That’s my jam.

 Valued Clients