Minnesotan in birth, Brook came to reside in Thunder Bay after meeting her now-wife in Grand Marais. She is a digital marketing strategist by trade and spends her free time finding joy wherever she can. Between travel, mountain biking, playing hockey, board games, and spending time with her three step-kids, it’s amazing she has a moment to spare. When she does get one? “I love sneaking out to a friend’s place to play XBox when I can because my wife won’t allow one in the house.”

From big city to small town life, the community feel and outdoor living is Brook’s favourite part about living in Thunder Bay. “The community is strong and that makes me want to be a part of it even more.” Whether it’s knowing the local butcher, being friends with her hairstylist, or being able to catch up with the local restauranteurs as they bump into each other in town, Brook feels in Thunder Bay, you’re more than “just another body.”

Easy access to the beauty that is Boreal forest is also a major part of her love of the area. “The fact that I can walk out of my back door and find a nice trail and feel like it’s all mine is amazing. There is an endless amount of outdoor recreation opportunities and new places to discover. I feel incredibly lucky.”

The best place in town? The Bluffs. "[They] offer a peaceful and beautiful view of the Sleeping Giant, the city, and Lake Superior.”

Brook shops local when she can and takes advantage of the amazing local restaurants. She is always quick to wave or chat up strangers (while keeping social distance!) and donates to the Blacksheep Mountain Biking Club. “I use their trails religiously during the summer and fall.”

COVID has taught her to slow down and take time for herself. There was always something to do, people to see but having the time to create a morning routine, experiment with new health recipes, and exercise has really helped. “The time I took to focus on myself the last 8+ months [has helped me be] healthier than I have ever been.'“

In life, connection is key and the one thing in life Brook couldn’t live without (begrudgingly) is her phone. “It allows me to capture moments, connect via FaceTime with family and friends, stay up to date with news, look up new recipes or hikes to try, or listen to the podcasts that feed my mind.”