Lisa (she/her) has 30 years experience working in the fields of nursing and policing, and currently works as a full-time investigator in the Major Crime Domestic Violence Investigation Unit at Durham Regional Police Service.
Her education includes a Nursing Diploma from Fanshawe College, a Police Foundations Diploma from Conestoga College, and a BAA in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph. She also has nearly 30 other professional development courses from the Ontario Police College, The Canadian Police College and a variety of other institutions. These include courses on investigative techniques, Forensic Interviewing, Peace Interviewing, Facilitating Adult Education, Scenes of Crime, Sexual Assault Response, Domestic Violence Investigation, English as a Second Language instruction and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Lisa has been personally and professionally advocating for victims of crime and vulnerable members of her community for years. She has volunteered with Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Cops for Cancer, Durham Regional Police Children’s Games and the Annual Food and Toy Drive. She has also created and facilitated several programs to mentor at-risk youth through Pro Action Cops and Kids, and currently serves as co-chair on the planning committee for the Durham Regional Police Children’s Games, and volunteers at a local women’s shelter. She presents on Mental Health to the Youth in Policing Program several times a year and also volunteers to mentor police constable applicants on resume building and interviewing.
Lisa had a significant personal loss in July 2017 when her 22-year-old son, Jonah, died by suicide. He was working as an actor at the Shaw Theatre in Niagara on the Lake. Since then, she has spoken at Sheridan College in Oakville, a Brock University Fundraiser supporting Pathstone Mental Health, the Cushman-Wakefield National Security Supervisors Conference and at various mental health awareness and advocacy events in and around the GTA.
She continues to focus her efforts on mental health education, advocating for support for those experiencing mental health challenges and reducing stigma surrounding those living with mental health diagnoses.
Lisa brings her energy and passion and the full scope of her personal lived experience and professional experience to each one of her events.