BIOGRAPHY:

I am originally from Edmonton Alberta, where I pursued undergraduate studies in psychology, and obtained my law degree in 1987. I have practiced law in British Columbia since 1990, and have maintained family law as my primary focus. After having practiced with another Surrey firm for over 12 years, I joined Siebenga & King Law Offices in September 2007.

In 2001, I re-focused my law practice to assisting individuals and couples resolve their disputes using mediation and collaborative solutions. I completed my Collaborative Family Law training in 2001 and was certified as a Family Law Mediator in 2002.

More recently, I have completed training in 2007 and 2008 to qualify as a Parenting Coordinator, and I have done coursework on high conflict families. Additionally, I have taken training in interviewing children and in preparing Views of the Child Reports for the courts.

I have been a member of the Collaborative Association since its inception in 2002: www.nocourt.net. In September 2007, I was selected to be a member of the newly established roster of BC Parenting Coordinators. Parenting coordination has been used extensively for years in other jurisdictions to assist high conflict parents: www.bcparentingcoordinators.com.

Through my professional experience, I have acquired an extensive knowledge of family dynamics and child developmental issues. As well, I have personal experience with the dynamics of raising children who have attachment issues and special needs, as I have two young daughters with special needs, one adopted at age four.

My husband and I have lived in Surrey for the past 18 years, and I have been active in my church community for as many years. When I am not in the office, I am busy with my family and enjoying my favorite activities of skating and horseback riding.

Education:

• Admitted to the Law Society of British Columbia - 1990
• Concordia College (1st year B.A.)
• University of Alberta (2nd year B.A.)
• University of Alberta – LL.B. - Bachelor of Laws (1987)

Memberships & Associations:

• Law Society of British Columbia
• Canadian Bar Association
• Vancouver & New Westminster CBA Family Law Subsections
• Collaborative Association
• BC Parenting Coordinators
• Christian Legal Fellowship
• Peace Portal Alliance Church

Community Involvement:

• Guest Speaker - People's Law School, Divorce Care
• Advisory board member - Peace Portal Counselling Centre, Stepping Stones program for parenting youth