Peace Grove is the umbrella under which I provide several offerings including graphic design, energy balancing and peace infusions, new moon meditation circles, workshops and art experiences, belly dance classes, and, for 11 years, hosted the annual retreat called Nemetona.

​

I have worked in the design industry since 1978 where I apprenticed at a graphics studio in downtown Calgary. I also shared the joy of belly dance with women in Central Alberta from 2003 to 2019, and loved watching my students grow in skills and self-confidence. I taught that this dance, this practice, is about looking after yourself and feeling the power and energy from connecting with the divine feminine through the ancient movements of the dance.

 

In 2009, one of my dear friends and neighbours was a victim of domestic violence. Her tragic death brought to the forefront the need for (particularly) rural women to be given the opportunity to connect with others, gain confidence and feel empowered and strengthened by belonging to a sisterhood. That summer I began hosting Nemetona, a woman’s retreat on my acreage that became an annual weekend event until I moved to BC in 2020. I'm so pleased that the women of Nemetona have continued to gather with a new hostess and facilitators.

 

When I heard about Shimmy Mob in 2011, I knew it was a perfect fit – a world-wide event that combines belly dancing with fundraising for local organizations that are working to prevent domestic violence! I have been involved since the first year, and was the Delburne Team Leader for 8 years. I participated with the Hornby Island team in 2021 and Courtenay team in 2022 and 2023 where we raised funds for the Comox Valley Transition Society.
 

I currently live rather leisurely on the unceded traditional lands of the K’omoks First Nations on Vancouver Island.