Janice's Full Story

Children change everything and I am so happy mine helped me discover my career path.  When I first began working for two Hepatologists at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, I never dreamed I would have ended up where I am now.  Although I thoroughly enjoyed working for them, at the time I felt like something was missing and I wanted more.  After careful consideration, I entertained the idea of going back to school to become a teacher.  This idea was so scary to me as I felt I had been out of school too long to ever think of going back.  One day I took the plunge and filled out an application to Mount Royal College (now University) for their Bachelor of Arts program, and got accepted!  I changed my life by leaving a comfortable job and heading back to school.

I took a few courses here and there and quickly realized that maybe teaching wasn’t for me.  I had to really think about what I enjoyed, what I believed in, and what I wanted to accomplish.  It was then that I found out about the Kinesiology program at the University of Calgary.  It was a perfect fit.  I was (and still am) passionate about healthy living, correct exercise techniques, and sport psychology.  The Kinesiology degree, with a major in Mind Sciences, gave me the knowledge to help people achieve their goals towards a better, more healthy lifestyle.

While growing up, my weekends and holidays were usually spent in the mountains and I’ve always tried to appreciate the close proximity of them.  Other than soccer, I never played many organized sports, but always liked to get out for a bike ride with a friend, go for a walk/hike, and just spend time outside.  In my final year of University I met my future husband, Richard.  He too had a passion for the mountains and outdoor activities.  Richard introduced me to the sport of rock climbing which quickly became a passion of mine.  His enthusiasm for the outdoors magnified mine and helped me to incorporate many fun activities on a regular basis.  This is something I want to instill in my children.  I want them to grow up exploring the outdoors and recreational opportunities… to teach them how to be active kids, teens, and later adults. 

I had both my children in Toronto and had such amazing birth experiences which sparked a passion to inform others that "good" labour and deliveries are possible!  I began researching educational possibilities and came across CAPPA Canada through whom I became a Certified Childbirth Educator. 
I am excited to teach people in a safe, unbiased and fun environment about all aspects of pregnancy and labour.  I also want people to know that there are choices available to them - natural, mainstream or somewhere in between!  My childbirth classes have also shown me a need for breastfeeding helpSo, I furthered my training and became a Certified Lactation Educator through the Simkin Centre at Bastyr University in Seattle.  I am passionate about educating mothers (and partners) about all aspects of breastfeeding and I strive to help struggling moms achieve success. 

Can’t wait to meet you!

Janice