i’m kind of

Although the release of Kind Of is my debut book, it is not the first creation in my catalogue. My work as an ELA and drama educator has provided a path as a playwright. My two most recent titles, Monsters and The G(r)ate Outdoors hit the stage in 2021 and most recently 2024. They were a hit with my students and the audience.

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate has been my home for fourteen years after teaching early years physical education for almost ten. My students have taught me every step of the way. I am continually learning as an educator and trying to inspire the young, brilliant, energetic minds around me. I continue to get older every year but grade nine and ten students are consistently fifteen and sixteen years old. Energy is infectious. I teach grade nine and ten English Language Arts and physical education. My role in the school also involves coaching volleyball, theatre production and outdoor education. Canoeing, hiking and camping which comprise the June alternative education programs are always a highlight.

I graduated from Kinesiology in 1995 and then a few years later my Bachelor of Education in 1997, which landed me a job as a full time physical education specialist.

When one door closes, another opens. So while the world was slowed to a halt during the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to pick up the books and pursue my post baccalaureate of education. I loved my time completing engaging coursework that was applicable to my profession. It was at that same time that my own three children entered university. They no longer needed me in the bleachers or drivers seat to every extracurricular event so I thought I would continue as a mature student! These days, I’m embarking on my masters of education at the University of Manitoba. I love a good challenge - and this one allows me to connect and empathize with my students as I now have due dates and assignments too.

A passion for movement led me to a 26 year side quest as a certified fitness leader in a number of facilities throughout Winnipeg. 18-year-old Karina could never have imagined hanging up the microphone and pop playlists, but she couldn’t have imagined COVID either. The pandemic brought personal fitness to the home environment. If the pets in my life are too much of a nuisance, Westgate also provides a fabulous fitness facility where I can sneak in a noon hour sweat. The strength training and cardio workouts have medicinal qualities. As fitness changes throughout my life, my desire for it doesn’t. Goal setting is key for continued success. What’s my goal? I need to conquer a cartwheel in my 80s!

I love these titles the most.

My first ever job was given the role of first born. The significance of arriving first provided me with a leadership role. I shared stories, “white lies” and fiction with my sisters and brother, Deanna, Marie, and Michael. I was given a captive audience until they carved their own paths. Now those three continue to cheer me on as their “kind of” bossy, big sister!

As a mom, I have to admit, when our own three children started leaving the nest, I was not prepared for silence and the vacant spots at our kitchen island every morning. Yes, Jaymi, Isaak, and Katie still fill our home on weekends, and continue to occupy a lot of space in my mind; a mother’s work is never done, it’s just different.

Currently, Jaymi, who lives in Ottawa, is supporting me with the promotion and marketing of my book. Our son Isaak is editing my university papers as he continues with his research and Masters of Science at the University of Manitoba. Katie is completing a nursing degree and is thankfully still living under our roof. Without these three I know I wouldn’t have the stories, the drive, or determination. When they get to their 50th year of life, I want them to look back and say, “Mom did that? I thought she was so old! Proud of her.”

My husband Doug and I are celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary this August at Falcon Lake where our story began. Life is too short not to make time for a dance floor. We continue to make time for travel, coffee in the mornings and walking the dog. As my dad would say, “Life is good!”