Margo has an eclectic background from studying theatre arts to executive management roles in business. She has over 25 years experience coaching hundreds of individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder and is heartened to know there are many pathways to recovery.
Her business career started with an emphasis on Human Resource Management. As Contract Manager for a large HR corporation, Margo was responsible for the recruitment, training and management of a diverse groups of employees in a variety of organization and environments. An integral part of her work explored what motivates people to change and the importance of intrinsic motivators. This knowledge continues to inform her work as a Sober Coach.
In 1991, Margo began her own recovery path. Alcoholism had taken her to many dark places, her attempts to quit drinking had repeatedly failed leaving Margo feeling hopeless. Then it happened, the alchemical moment that opens a pathway to freedom from addiction.
Over the next few years Margo worked hard to understand and manage her Substance Use Disorder and learned ways to heal her nervous system, release shame and live a substance-free life. She is grateful to her recovery community, teachers and mentors. It is through their guidance she began exploring a range of healing practices and activities deepening her understanding of meditation, the importance of breath-work, the power of creative process and the significance of healthy play. It is also how Margo was led to make a meaningful career change focused on addiction services.
She began her transition by studying addiction counselling while working part-time as an addiction support worker at two women's residential treatment programs. She took additional training to deepen her understanding of somatic practices. Upon graduation, Margo began facilitating a government funded, psycho-social treatment program delivered in a non-residential setting
Over time, Margo became increasingly concerned by post treatment relapse rates and in 1994 she conducted an in-depth community needs assessment which concluded post treatment outcomes could be improved through effective bridging strategies.
Combining her HR Background, capacity building experience and addiction knowledge Margo sought out a group of expert individuals, community organizations and government partners to consult and support program develop. Together they designed a comprehensive and innovative program focused on strengthening recovery outcomes while providing opportunities for education and meaningful employment.
In 1996, the first HOPE Program was funded. Under Margo’s stewardship it continued through 2013 and served over 2000 clients.
In 2004, Margo became a major shareholder for Hope Bridge Services Ltd and the Director of Addiction Services and Business Management.
In addition to her role in executive management and on-going coaching and counselling, Margo was often contracted by organizations to deliver staff coaching and training workshops. She developed and taught the Concurrent Disorder module for Stenberg College's CSW Program. Margo spoke at addiction and employment conferences. She was awarded the "Individual Career Development Award of Excellence" for her innovative work integrating addiction recovery support and employment services.
Margo's experience championing women's journeys goes beyond her work in addictions. She has been a life-long mentor to several women and has the privilege of witnessing them fulfilling their life's passions. She organized and co-hosted Women's Wellness Retreats designed to nurture and uplift participants spirits. These weekend retreats offered an array of activities from creative projects, to feasts with entertainment, yoga, meditation, healing arts sessions and more.
After retiring from her full-time career in 2016, Margo started what she fondly calls her "Gypsy Years" living between a small fishing village in Mexico and traveling in Canada, Mexico and Europe. She describes it as a wondrous adventure but after a few years was ready to settle back in Canada.
Currently she lives in a small village on an inlet off the West Coast of Vancouver Island where she engages in creative projects, meditation exploring the beautiful abundance of nature surrounding her home. In addition to her work with InSpirit Recovery Coaching, Margo has volunteered in the community teaching a women's meditation group which moved online during Covid and pre-Covid offered on-call facilitating services to the WELL Program.
