About Moe

My family moved to Morinville in 1986 and it has been my home ever since. Over the past 35 years I have witnessed our community evolve from a small town where everyone seemingly knew everyone into what is now a vibrant community on the cusp of becoming a small city. My mother and father instilled in me and my siblings a strong sense of social responsibility through their volunteer work and strong civic values. They believed wholeheartedly in the proverb It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. The village was instrumental in my leadership development. I owe a great debt of gratitude to all of my teachers, coaches and neighbors who always encouraged me—believed in me.

 I earned a Bachelor's Degree (Secondary Education) from the University of Alberta in 2003 and completed a Master’s Degree (Educational Psychology) from the University of Alberta in 2009. My education and experience is grounded in leadership, communication and active listening—with a strong focus in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, mediation, collaboration and consultation. I have spent the last 15 years working as a School Counsellor at R.F. Staples Secondary School in Westlock where I act as a conduit between school and community-based supports for students and families. I provide solution-focused support for students and their families who traverse significant cognitive, psychological and socioeconomic barriers. I pride myself on approaching each situation with the highest degree of empathy and compassion. Moreover, I have spent the better part of my professional career empowering youth to find their voice—to be engaged in their school community and community-at-large. I always strive to lead by example—and hope that resonates with my pursuit for the Office of Councilor.

 My wife Melissa is a Clinical Social Worker with the Department of National Defense and also works in private practice. We have two beautiful (busy) boys--Everett and Emerson. I am reminded daily why Morinville is such a special place to raise a family. Watching my boys scrape their knees on the same sidewalks--walk the same halls at school and learn how to skate on the same frozen ponds as I did have been some of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of my life. Things have truly come full circle now as my boys are surrounded by a new generation of teachers, coaches and mentors in our community. This—above all else gives me hope for the future.