US Navy Seabee Chief

I was born and raised in Canada but have spent most of my adult life in the US. I have two amazing, brilliant and beautiful daughters who are my world and the reason I strive day after day to be a better, stronger woman.

What are your thoughts on aging? I truly believe aging is something to celebrate, not fear. Every year brings new lessons, new strength, and new growth. I may not have the energy of my 20s, but I am proud of what I've overcome and who I’ve become at 40—and I know 50-year-old me will be better still.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them! In our younger years, 40 can seem intimidating, even daunting. Yet when you arrive, you discover it’s not an ending but a beginning—a season of freedom, confidence, and joy. At 40 and beyond, you carry the wisdom of lessons learned, the grace of knowing yourself, and the strength to release anything (or anyone) that doesn’t serve you.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care. Recently, I started going regularly to get my nails done (as a matter of fact, it started with this photo shoot... so thank you Monica!)

Being in the military, I wear the same un-feminine uniform day after day, and it's amazing how something as simple as a fresh manicure can rejuvenate the soul and remind me theres a baddie under all that camo!

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them. After becoming a single mom, I clung to independence, convinced that relying on others would only lead to disappointment. Over time, I’ve learned that true strength comes not from being able to do it all on your own, but from letting people in. Through that journey, I’ve built and come to deeply cherish a close circle of friends—women who support, challenge, and uplift me in ways I never allowed myself to experience before.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self? Currently a mother to two teenage daughters, the first thing I would tell myself is "Be nicer to your mom!"

And then I would tell myself "You don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re allowed to try, to fail, to explore, and to not know what’s next. Let go of the perfectionism and just enjoy the journey."

What is your definition of success? For me, success is when my mind and body are at ease, and I’m surrounded by people I love who truly love me back.

What is the best advice you have been given? Control what you can control.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself? I hope that I'll look back and tell myself I am proud of who I was/am, of everything I've accomplished, and of the example I set for my daughters, not only in the moments captured here but at every step along my journey. And then, let’s be honest, I’ll probably add… ‘Daaaamn, I was a baddie!’ 😉