I was born and raised in the Vanier district of Ottawa. Although I married and had my son at a very early stage of my life; I have always had a great love for learning and helping others. I decided to go to school and obtained the education to become a licensed nurse practitioner, which was very satisfying and enabled me to help people in difficult situations. After some time, now a single mother, a law professor who had been my mentor challenged me to take a class in the legal field and I quickly became hooked on the subject, as well as the opportunity to bring even greater help to others in need. Although it was not an easy task, I balanced 10 years of university with single motherhood to become the legal counsel I am today. I was called to the Bar of the Province of Ontario (Law Society of Upper Canada) in September of 2002. Two years later, I decided to move to the SD&G and offer my services to the community.
With over ten years of professional experience as a sole practitioner, Ms. Gardner attributes her success to her grandmother's influence, which instilled in her the belief that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. In her current role she undertakes per diem duty counsel work as well as managing her own caseload, attending court, and working directly with her clients. Often, Ms. Gardner will address issues pertaining to negative lifestyle choices such as drug and alcohol use, the resolution of which typically increases the position of her clients regarding custody and access to their children or their return to the client's care if they have been apprehended by the child protection agency.
Ms. Gardner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Major in Law, Minor in Political Science) from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario in June 1995. She then earned a Bachelor of Common Law (LL.B.) degree at the University of Ottawa law school in June 1998. She articled for the Canadian federal government's Office of the Correctional Investigator in Ottawa before relocating to Cornwall in 2004. She is a member of the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Law Association and a Social Convenor.
Ms. Gardner provides family law advice including custody, access, child/spousal support and child protection defence services.
On December 8, 2010, Cambridge Who's Who recognized Ms. Gardner for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in legal services in SD&G.