As far back as I can remember I have embraced change, not just as a necessary part of life, but as somewhere where I felt completely like myself. Change allows me to grow, to learn, to be a beginner over + over again, and to build a big, beautiful community of people surrounding me.

It’s not surprising then that my tagline as an educational leader is/has been, “write it in pencil.” Be open to evolving, to growing with the times, to deepen, to learning. Pencil allows us to rewrite the story, the plan, the future by simply erasing it and writing on top. Erasing it doesn’t fully remove the markings, because they were part of the journey and deserve to be there, even if faintly etched.

I remember a clear example of this in my 20’s. I grew up as Angela Bast. I was known that way, who I was as a student, as a friend, as a teacher.

Then I got married. I decided to take my husband’s last name, Mercier, so that our family would have the same last name. In that moment, I felt like I was gone. No one knew “Angela Mercier.”

I was creating a new chapter of my life, with a new name + title, but it was Angela Bast who got me there! Now as Mrs. Mercier instead of Miss Bast in the school system, I was paving my path towards educational leadership.

I completed my Masters of Education, had two children with my husband Joe, changed school boards from the Upper Grand DSB to Waterloo Region DSB and started as a Vice Principal in 2002.

From there, I’ve been a Principal and Superintendent, embracing change and loving it every step of the way. My career hallmark was my ability to build meaningful relationships with students, staff and families. Working through some of the most challenging, emotionally charged conflicts was a true gift and legacy I left the Board.

Leadership that is service minded and people first is my jam and passion. With 31 years in education I have the experience, the learning and the wisdom to bring to leaders who are currently “in the thick of it.”