ABOUT AMY

About Amy

I’m Amy Brodhagen (she/her), and Stratford has been my home for 30 years.

I’m a mother, a bereaved mother, a wife, a longtime volunteer, a local published poet, and a proud ally. I care deeply about the environment and the community I call home. My experiences have taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, listening, and speaking up when something matters.

Some of my favourite moments are the simple ones - being outdoors, surrounded by nature, or sitting on my porch with a coffee, watching the traffic go by with my kids and rescue pup.

I’m a self-taught gardener and love filling my gardens with pollinator-friendly flowers. This summer, I had my first monarch butterfly hatch from the milkweed in my garden. Seeing that little piece of nature happen right in my own backyard was such a highlight for me. It was a beautiful reminder that even the small things we do can make a difference.

My husband and I also plant new trees every year. So far, we have added 13 trees to our front and back yards. For me, giving back isn’t just about our community - it’s about giving back to nature, too. I want future generations to enjoy trees, biodiversity, wildlife and all the benefits that a healthy ecosystem provides.

I love to write, dance and listen to music, and I enjoy all kinds of live art from concerts, gallery tours, theatre performances, to open mics. Poetry has become a meaningful part of my life, both as a creative outlet and as a way to connect with others. We’re fortunate to have so much local talent in Stratford. I love being part of a community where creativity is not only something we enjoy, but something that creates a sense of belonging.

Professional Experience

I currently work part-time for a local non-profit mental health agency that supports youth and families.

I also bring more than 16 years of experience in corporate roles in the banking sector, including leadership, process improvement, employee engagement, and participation on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) committees.

My connection to Stratford’s tourism and hospitality industry started early. Throughout high school, I worked in downtown restaurants and hotels, then later studied Tourism and Travel in college, inspired by the important role tourism plays in our city. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on the connections between tourism, local business, and the people who live and work in our community.

I believe learning and community leadership go hand in hand. I value continued learning, listening to different perspectives, and finding practical ways to support the people around me.

I have completed Mental Health First Aid training and a public speaking course through the University of Waterloo. 

Community & Volunteering

Community involvement has been a meaningful part of my life for many years. I believe in showing up, lending a hand, and being part of the community - not just talking about it.

Through volunteering, fundraising, advocacy, community events, and supporting local organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds and experiences.

Being part of the community has also meant finding connection through local sports. For more than a decade, I was part of local dragon boat teams, and I also played roller derby. These experiences brought people together, built lasting friendships, and reminded me of the importance of teamwork and community.

Through our school's Parent Council, I volunteer as a Mental Health Caregiver Connection, helping bridge the gap between mental health services and schools and connecting families with information and resources.