Last week, we welcomed our new Executive Director Leona Conrick to the PEI MFRC team. It’s been a busy week around here, but we wanted to take some time to sit and chat with Leona and get to know her a bit.
PEI MFRC: Hi Leona. Can you tell us a little bit about your connection with the military?
LC: I have been a military spouse for almost 25 years.
PEI MFRC: So I’m assuming you may have moved around a bit over the years, then?
LC: Yes. I was raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and I met my husband in Halifax. Together, we’ve lived in Shearwater, NS; Victoria, BC; Gander, NL; and Greenwood, NS.
PEI MFRC: Have you ever visited PEI before moving here?
LC: I have visited PEI many times! I’m a bit different from the regular tourist, though, in that I like to visit when the crowds die down. I’ve cycled most of the Confederation Trail and look forward to finishing it this spring/summer when the snow is all melted.
PEI MFRC: What are you most looking forward to in your position at PEI MFRC?
LC: I am looking forward to being there for military families through all of the stages of their lives and careers.
PEI MFRC: Tell us a bit about some of your interests, hobbies…
LC: I love the outdoors! I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and geocaching. Fortunately for me, there are an abundance of opportunities to do all of these things here!
PEI MFRC: What’s your favourite book? You know, for when you aren’t outside?
LC: It’s so hard to just pick one! Each day, each mood, each season brings a different answer. Some days I like a deep dark mystery or legal/police drama, perhaps one by Sandra Brown, John Grisham, or James Patterson. Another day I might like to tackle one of life’s thornier and controversial issues and read Jodi Picoult, and some days I just need to get away from real life and head to the beaches of Nantucket with Elin Hildebrand.
PEI MFRC: What’s one message you’d like to tell PEI military families?
The MFRC is here for you in good times and bad. We celebrate the exciting times with you and help you through the difficult times. We are a community of your peers; people who understand the military lifestyle and can relate to the unique challenges it brings. Stop in for a coffee and a cookie to just say hello. We’d love to meet you.
Thanks so much, Leona, for chatting with us so that our PEI community can get to know you a little better.
We also invite you to come out to our monthly coffee social on April 11 (10am–11am) down at HMCS Queen Charlotte and meet Leona in person. You can also reach her by email (leona.conrick@forces.gc.ca) or phone: 902-892-8999