Sarah grew up in Nelson, B.C., leaving in the early '90s to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Geography at the University of Victoria. After a stint of travel and working as a Fisheries Observer based out of Prince Rupert, Sarah re-located to the UK and pursued work in administration, working for a vaccines biotech start-up as executive assistant and office manager. In 2001, Sarah undertook a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Science at the University College London, which she completed with a thesis on plant extinction in Cameroon in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

After relocating back to Nelson with her growing family, Sarah has worked as a professional skating coach with the Nelson Skating Club since 2007. Along the way she has been involved in a number of different non-profit societies, including as a board member with the Nelson Skating Club, the Nelson Choral Society and St. Saviour’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral. Sarah is currently the Treasurer for the Nelson Skating Club and continues to be involved in coaching figure skating. She is a passionate kayaker on Kootenay Lake, paddling often and venturing near and far to explore the many local waterways.