When she was just two years old Ann started experiencing seizures. She went through a long remission during childhood and adolescence until the seizures returned when she was 20.

Ann never let seizures slow her down. She kept active, enjoyed travelling, volunteered, and had her three boys. 

After years of living with seizures and many daily medications, in December 2002 at the age of 32 Ann underwent significant brain surgery in Edmonton called Left Selective Amygdalo-hippocampectomy which removed certain portions within her brain’s temporal lobe (located beneath the temple).

It was bittersweet waking up from the surgery. Ann was seizure free, but at the beginning of a long and difficult road to recovery.

Ann’s experiences helped her realize that she had a purpose – to help others.

In 2004, Ann founded an epilepsy support group, Parkland Aiming at Care for Epilepsy (PACE) to help connect locals going through similar experiences.

Ann works as an education assistant for Parkland School Division and has a deep connection to her community. Outside of tutoring elementary students and coaching local soccer, she was part of the Edmonton Epilepsy Association Board for 11 years, five of which she was the Vice President. She also served for over a decade on the RCMP Advisory Board and was a board member on the Family and Community Support Services Board.

Ann has shared her story and inspired audiences around the world as a four-time award winning keynote speaker. She has also written books, articles, and been interviewed on television about her experiences.

She wants to let others know to never give up and to never say you can't do something.