With Dr. Khdiga

With a PhD focused on community building and human development, much of my community work has centred on education, families and individual development. I have volunteered to provide in-person and online workshops, including positive parenting skills, creative teaching, leadership, teamwork and problem solving.
I have also volunteered at Canadian citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new Canadian citizens and supporting integration while encouraging greater understanding among long-time residents. I believe stronger communities are built through better education, strong family-school partnerships, mutual understanding and turning differences into opportunities for connection, belonging and shared strength.

I have not previously run in a municipal election, but I was elected to a teacher leadership role where I represented and supported elementary-school teachers and helped address their concerns. I entered this race only when I felt my experience could make a meaningful contribution. Through the Canadian Centre for Training and Consultation, which I founded, I have brought together professors and specialists from different countries and disciplines. This experience strengthened my ability to analyze challenges, consider different perspectives and work collaboratively toward practical, evidence-informed solutions.

The trustee role felt like a natural extension of my experience in education, academic leadership, coaching, and community engagement. I have served as a university department chair, worked as a Life Skills Teacher and Personal Development Coach, and founded the Canadian Centre for Training and Consultation. These experiences have helped me understand the elements of strong, balanced education, connect people and perspectives and approach challenges thoughtfully. I believe they have prepared me to serve professionally and collaboratively, with a clear focus on stronger schools, stronger partnerships, and better outcomes for students.

Students should be at the centre of every decision, supported by strong teachers, engaged families, and well-resourced schools. Priorities should include a high-quality, well-rounded curriculum, strong academic achievement, practical life skills, and safe, inclusive schools free from hate, racism, discrimination and bullying. Timely mental-health support is also essential; personal family experience has shown me the value of early understanding, compassionate support, and appropriate intervention. Practical issues such as school boundaries, transportation, and parking should be addressed proactively. Schools should also prepare students for emerging technologies such as AI while protecting privacy, critical thinking, well-being and human interaction.

Living in Milton while raising my family in Canada has given me firsthand experience of public education. My children attended public schools through every stage, showing me the importance of strong teaching, family-school partnerships, communication, and support. Seeing my daughter later be named one of York University’s 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 and work at the United Nations reinforced how education and opportunity can shape a young person’s future. Milton’s diverse community has also taught me to listen, build trust, find common ground and turn differences into community strength.

I believe strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. Milton deserves a trustee with educational experience, an open mind, and the ability to represent and connect a diverse community. I bring experience in education, academic leadership, personal development coaching, and collaborative problem-solving. I will listen carefully, respect different perspectives, and work toward practical, evidence-informed solutions. My goal is clear: safe and supportive schools, high-quality education, stronger family-school partnerships, better learning opportunities, and better outcomes for every student—building stronger students, stronger schools and a stronger Milton community.