I spent 25 years building an award-winning team of health and wellness professionals through my company, Fitness Edge, providing services to parks and recreation boards, school districts, police and fire departments and the military in several municipal districts. I have been personally recognized for my professional achievements in parallel with the growth and success of my company. This includes national recognition for my involvement with IN MOTION, a provincial health initiative that encourages children and work sites to be more active. I was also honoured to receive the Mall Peepre Award in 2001 by the National Fitness Leadership Advisory Council, and to be named the Myrtle Everett Business & Professional Woman of the Year in 2010. 

Giving back to the community is one of my central values.  From 2000 - 2020, I was a member of the Business Excellence Committee of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, as well as a judge for the Business Excellence Awards. 

It is also a great privilege to be part of the Canuck Place Gift of Love Gala Committee since it was established in 2014, which has raised over $4 million dollars for the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. In 2019 I was honoured to be named Co-Chair of the Gift of Love Gala Committee; a role that I continue in today.

None of these achievements have come easily. I know what it's like to try to balance professional life with family life. I have raised four children and been through a divorce. Through my second marriage I also have two stepchildren. The blending of two families is a very complex and delicate process, and one that takes an immense amount of ongoing personal commitment and dedication. Combined, my husband and I now have nine grandchildren, and a precious tenth on the way. One of my granddaughters has severe autism and supporting her and her family in whatever ways I can is very important to me. Personally, I have struggled with acute dyslexia from a very young age. In order to flourish we need to have patience, empathy and gratitude. 

Through my life experiences, I have learned that it is so important to balance our ambitions, family life and a drive to “do it all” with plenty of time to rest, play and recharge. Being out in nature, hiking, reading, exercising, rising early and enjoying coffee with my husband, spending time with my children, stepchildren and grandchildren, all these things create joy and healthy balance of the body and soul. 

I have worn many hats and played many roles during my 60+ years. The rich array of experiences I have had in my own life, both professionally and personally, have aided me in developing an approach to tackling life’s challenges which enables me to help others become more proactive, successful and fulfilled.

                                               – Suzanne