Julie completed a Bachelor of Recreation Studies and Master of Arts (MA) at the University of Manitoba. Her MA thesis focused on the use of wilderness education for at risk youth. Her PhD was completed at the University of Calgary in the Department of Graduate Division of Educational Research, with her dissertation focusing on educational development. Julie is a faculty member at Mount Royal University in the Department of Health and Physical Education where she teaches courses on program planning, leadership, and an exploration of current issues and trends in the sport and recreation field. Her research focuses on educational development, and behaviors in sport.