My name is Courtney. I am young a woman of colour from Winnipeg. I am currently living in Ottawa to complete my master's degree. My family emigrated from South Africa, and I have lived overseas in Peru and Ecuador. All of this, combined with my education helps me to be able to understand and relate to many families of different backgrounds. As well, I am a university graduate in the field of human rights and conflict resolution who has experience with children and youth in education and mentorship settings. I have taught people of all ages and genders different things, including ESL, social skills, history and social studies, as well as, writing and study skills. In addition, I am certified to teach ESL and a specialized program for those who are neurodiverse. Over the past 8 years, I have obtained many skills that are transferable from my lived experience, educational, and work experiences, including working with children, youth and young folks of all abilities. If I am not reading or learning, I am most likely active with biking, hiking, yoga or swimming, or are participating in art activities. I enjoy learning and trying new hobbies including ones that are with youth because I know this is a critical trust-building activity.

Through all my work positions cleaning has been a critical component of this as non-profits and small education sites normally ask employees to take on these roles if they cannot fund them. I have experience cleaning and following provincial guidelines for food spaces, educational classrooms and public bathrooms. Additionally, I have volunteered for yoga studios as a cleaner on and off for six years. I have also rented for 5 years alone, and understand the needs within households based on my individual experience. I really enjoy cleaning and being organized. With my house needs, I have pets of all sizes. Small and big dogs, fish and hamsters and cats are what I have experience with, but are open to learning about different types of pet care and cleaning as required.