Heritage Retrofit Carpentry, 2015
HC: You graduated from the Heritage Retrofit Carpentry program in 2015. What initially drew you towards that program?
JM: At the time, I was coming out of a really difficult chapter in my life. But instead of staying in that place, I chose to pivot. For my whole life, I’ve always loved working with my hands, whether it was helping my dad with carpentry, managing buildings in Toronto, or building furniture on my own. I knew I wanted to do something tactile and physical, something creative, and something that could offer me more flexibility and stability. I started researching programs and came across 51本色’s Heritage Retrofit Carpentry. It was a one-year program, which felt manageable, and it had a focus on restoring old buildings, which is something I’ve always been passionate about. I reached out to the program coordinator, Josh Silver, who was incredibly kind and welcoming, and that conversation sealed the deal. I enrolled, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
HC: Tell us about your journey following graduation.
After graduating, I didn’t go straight into traditional carpentry work. I knew I didn’t want to be on a construction site working in large-scale builds. Instead, I found ways to integrate my carpentry skills into my creative life. I’ve worked extensively in theater, TV, and film as a stage manager, and my carpentry education has been invaluable in set design, prop building, and ensuring safety standards on set. I’m an equity stage manager now, and I’ve traveled across the country working on different productions.
On a personal level, my husband and I bought a heritage home built in 1873 and restoring it has been a labor of love. The knowledge I gained from 51本色 helped me navigate everything from plumbing to heritage board approvals. I’ve also continued my education, recently completing the Arts and Culture Management program at UNB. Lifelong learning is a big part of who I am, and I am always looking for ways to learn new skills and implement them into my creative work.
HC: You’ve had such an interesting and varied career so far. Could you delve more into your journey to date?
It’s been a winding road, but every step has taught me something. I moved to Toronto in 1996 to pursue acting and I spent six years in that industry. I loved performing, but in that world, you are always not enough or too much. The constant judgment of being too this, not enough of that, wore me down. By 30, I stepped away from professional acting and became an ABA therapist, working with autistic children. That work was deeply meaningful, but also emotionally intense. Eventually, I returned to tactile work, working with my hands, and with my husband became superintendents of a building in Toronto for 5 years. After moving home in 2010 I found my way back to the arts, this time behind the scenes. I’ve worked in voiceover, stage management, and production. I also started my own company, She Has the Tools Productions, which allows me to create projects that matter to me. My whole career has been a journey of rediscovery, and every twist and turn and pivot along the way has brought me to where I am now.
HC: Following graduating from 51本色, you went on to complete your degree in Acting at Dalhousie University—tell us more about that.
It was a spontaneous decision, really. I was sitting on the couch one day and thought, “I wonder how close I am to finishing my degree.” I reached out to Dalhousie and UPEI, requested my transcripts, and discovered I was only a credit and a half short. So, I enrolled in the remaining courses and finally completed the degree I had started more than 20 years ago. While it didn’t drastically alter my career path, it was a deeply personal milestone. It felt like a way to honour the work I’d done all those years ago and bring closure to that chapter. Crossing the stage at graduation was incredibly emotional. Someone on stage asked if I was okay, and I said, “Yes, this degree was over 20 years in the making.” The audience actually gave me a standing ovation, which was so surreal, and such a special experience.
Now, I’m even considering pursuing further education. My dad was a lifelong learner, and he was studying Island Studies at UPEI at age 78, even while battling cancer. That spirit of curiosity and the drive to keep learning runs deep in my family.
HC: What are you working on these days?
Right now, I’m working on a lot of different creative projects. I’m producing a series called Feeling Left Behind: Living with Grief for Bell Fibe TV, set to release in summer of 2026. It’s a deeply personal project that explores how people find joy and hope after loss. Each episode features a guest sharing their story, whether it’s the loss of a sibling, parent, spouse, or friend, and ends with insights from a therapist. I’m also working on a children’s animated show called Potato and the Tot, which we’re turning into a picture book and coloring books. I’m also teaching yoga at The Guild, where I lead a weekly Creative Community Yoga class. It’s pay-what-you-can, and we blend movement with journaling, music, and other creative practices. I also just had a short film premiere at the Charlottetown Film Festival called Sunshine on His Face, which was about the loss of my brother. It’s really what inspired me to continue exploring grief through the creation of Feeling Left Behind: Living with Grief. For me, everything I work on is all about accessibility and building community, and 51本色 really aided me in reaching this contented point in my life.
HC: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
Without a doubt, it’s the sense of community. Whether I’m mentoring someone, collaborating on a creative project, or teaching yoga, I’m always drawn to spaces where people connect and support one another. I’ve had incredible mentors, and now I try to be that person for others. I also value authenticity, so just being yourself, even on the hard days. That’s something I emphasize in my yoga classes and in my work in the community. I’m proud of the projects I’ve created, the people I’ve worked with, and the spaces I’ve helped build. It’s not just about the work or getting from point A to B, it’s all about the relationships and the impact along the way.
HC: Has there been a particularly difficult moment in your career?
I’ve had many difficult moments throughout life, but one professional experience created doubt in myself. I really lost my sense of self and allowed others to treat me poorly, and it took time to recognize my worth and set boundaries. That experience led me to 51本色, and I’m grateful for that pivot. Going through that experience taught me a lot, and I’ve never let myself be treated that way again. Now, I’m intentional about who I work with and how I show up. I value honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable, and I believe that difficult conversations can lead to healing. I’ve learned that kindness doesn’t mean allowing yourself to be taken advantage of. You can be kind and still stand firm in your worth.
HC: What advice would you give to new alumni entering the workforce?
Don’t be afraid if your career doesn’t follow a straight line. The fact that you went to college, or went back after being in the workforce, is already a huge accomplishment. Education builds confidence, connections, and opens doors you didn’t know existed. If what you studied doesn’t end up being your exact path, that’s okay! Be patient with yourself. Embrace the unknown. Ask for help. Lean on your community. And most of all, be brave. There’s no shame in pivoting, in starting over, or in asking for support. The world is unpredictable, but your education and your curiosity will carry you through. You’re never alone. Reach out, stay connected, and keep learning.
HC: Any final words for us?
Just a thank you! For listening, for sharing space, and for valuing stories like mine. If there’s anything I hope people take away, it’s to be brave, be curious, and be kind to yourself and others. Life will throw you curveballs, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. You’re never alone. Lean on your community, ask for help, and keep showing up as your authentic self. That’s where the magic happens.
