Valerie is a leadership coach, director, actor, and facilitator working professionally in film, television and theatre for over 30 years. Originally from Montreal, she studied at The National Theatre School of Canada, Concordia University and completed her graduate work, focussing on the neurobiology of presence, earning an MFA from the University of Alberta where she garnered a Graduate teaching Award.

Valerie is an Associate with Precipice Development, and a member of the International Coaching Federation. She completed the Business Coaching Advantage Program with PeopleDynamics Learning Group.

She was awarded the Flare Creativity Award from the Banff Centre for the Arts , the Michelle Dias Award from Theatre Alberta, and the Gina Wilkinson Award from the Shaw Festival . She was invited to direct with the Birmingham Conservatory, Stratford Festival.

She has been a sessional instructor for the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and Ambrose University,

She is a member of Canadian Actors Equity, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators, and the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers.