Petawawa

Sharon Wagner

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Sharon Wagner.

Hi, Sharon! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi everyone! My name is Sharon, and I’m so happy to be here. I’m a mom, a teacher, and someone who believes that kindness, laughter, and connection are at the heart of everything we do — both in our classrooms and in our community. My husband believes I can find someone I know to talk to, no matter where I go…I tell him I make new friends every day!

I grew up in a military family, so we moved a bit, but the Ottawa Valley has really been home for me for almost 30 years. It’s the community that shaped me. After high school, I headed to Laurentian University, and later I went all the way to Australia to complete my Master’s in Teaching—which was an incredible experience and really broadened my perspective.

Giving back has always been important to me. I started volunteering in high school at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, was a Key Club member and President, and later volunteered at a homeless shelter in Sudbury. Those experiences taught me a lot about empathy and community, which are a big part of how I approach teaching today.

My husband and I have a kind and inquisitive ten-year-old son who plays hockey — which means most of our “free time” is spent at the rink. Who needs a night off or a free weekend anyway, right? It’s busy, chaotic, and wonderful all at once.

We live here in the beautiful Ottawa Valley and love spending time outdoors, especially at our little hunt camp with our two Golden Retrievers. When we’re home relaxing, I can usually be found reading a book, working on activities for my classroom, or rewatching Friends for the thousandth time! Last year I delved into the world of sourdough — which has been such a rewarding (and humbling!) hobby. There’s something grounding about slowing down, learning patience, and creating something from scratch — it’s become my little pocket of calm amid the busy pace of life.

As a Kindergarten teacher, I feel so lucky to spend my days helping children grow, explore, and find joy in learning, especially outdoors. What matters most to me — in both my work and my life — is creating a sense of belonging. Whether it’s in my classroom, with my family, or in our wider community, I try to lead with compassion, curiosity, and humour. I really believe that small acts of kindness can ripple out in the most amazing ways — and that’s the kind of difference I hope to make every day.

What is your least favourite household chore?

Laundry. Hands down. It. Just. Never. Ends.

When my husband and I first moved in together, I actually loved doing laundry — seeing our clothes mixed together felt like a symbol that we were building a family. Later, while expecting our baby, I adored folding those tiny little outfits. But now, as a mom, teacher, and human trying to have some sort of balance — the laundry pile is my nemesis. I can wash, dry, and even fold it… but putting it away? That’s where I lose all motivation. I don’t know why! I feel so satisfied once it’s done, but somehow, my own laundry always sits there the longest. Haha, shame on me!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Every time I see a new destination, it gets added to my bucket list! I’ve been lucky to travel a bit — England, Belgium, the Netherlands, a year living in Australia, and even a Christmas in the Dominican Republic with my husband. Since starting a family, we’ve mostly stayed close to home, enjoying time at our little hunt camp — our “happy place” with our two Golden Retrievers.

Still, I long to explore the world again — to see breathtaking landscapes, wander through small coastal towns, enjoy local foods at tiny cafés, read by the ocean, and just experience life in different ways. I’m not really a “big city” person — I’m happiest where there’s sunshine, a breeze, and water nearby.

Top of my list? Iceland, Italy, British Columbia, and Costa Rica. Though I’d love to return to Australia and see it all again through my family’s eyes.

What sound do you hate?

I have very sensitive ears, so loud or sudden sounds can really overwhelm me — fireworks, construction noise, even the movie theatre sometimes! But oddly enough, I love the buzz of a classroom — the chatter and laughter of students learning and collaborating. That kind of noise fills my heart, not my head.

What’s your favourite sandwich? Why?

When I was a teenager, I fell in love with the Chicken Ciabatta Club from Fresco’s in Pembroke — and I still recreate it at home! A toasted ciabatta bun with grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and a touch of mayo — perfection. It’s one of those meals that just hits the spot every single time. My husband always knows that when I make it, it’s because I’ve been craving it for days!

Who is the best-known celebrity you have ever seen in person?

I’ve had quite a few fun celebrity encounters over the years!

As a teen working at East Side Mario’s in Pembroke, I served Alannah Myles, Jim Cuddy, and Jason Blaine. I met Taylor Swift at the Corel Centre on her first tour as an opening act. In university, I met Sidney Crosby before his NHL days, got an epic high five from Keith Urban, and even received a sweaty hug from Jon Bon Jovi during a concert in Toronto!

I also once attended a Toronto Maple Leafs Christmas party and shared an elevator with Doug Gilmour — and accidentally collided with Johnny Bower while skating. (Mortifying at the time, but hilarious now!) Most recently, my husband and I ran into Mark Stone and Claude Giroux, who kindly made video messages for our son — definitely a family highlight!

Imagine you had to wear the same Halloween costume every day for the rest of your life. What would you be?

Ms. Frizzle — no question! She’s exactly the kind of educator I aspire to be: enthusiastic, imaginative, and always making learning fun. Plus, her themed dresses are iconic!

If you could be any animal, which one would you be? Why?

I’d be a bird — something adventurous and free. I’d love to soar above the world, seeing everything from a new perspective, feeling the sunshine and wind, and exploring without limits.

If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would you choose? Why?

Probably a home renovation show! I’d love for someone to swoop in and help make my house feel more “put together.” My current style is “lived in and well loved” — full of plants, trinkets, and family memories. I’d want a space that still feels like us, just a little more polished (and organized!).

If you could have your very own personal assistant, what would you have them do?

Honestly, I could keep a personal assistant busy full-time! Between being a mom, a teacher, and trying to have hobbies, there’s always something to do. I’ve started finding joy in small things — reading, watercolour painting, and even line dancing — though I sometimes feel “mom guilt” for taking time for myself.

If I had an assistant, I’d have them help with all the small daily tasks that pile up — meal prep, organizing, laundry (of course!), and maybe even scheduling so I could carve out time to recharge. Teaching and parenting both demand so much of your heart, and I’m learning that finding joy for myself helps me give more back to my students and my family.

What do you miss most about being a kid?

Being carefree — without responsibilities or worries. It is probably why I have so much fun with my career!

My ten-year-old often says he can’t wait to grow up, and I always tell him, “Please stay little as long as you can.” There’s such magic in not knowing all the heavy parts of life yet — just learning, playing, and discovering.

And of course, I miss the simple things — not having to plan dinner every single night, not doing endless laundry, not coordinating everyone’s activities. But I also recognize that all of that busyness means I have a full, blessed life — a family to love, a job that matters, and memories worth all the chaos. ❤

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Sharon.

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Next week, we welcome Hilda Young.