Hi there. Welcome to my new website. My name is Barbara (Parrott) Rogelstad. I am a photographer, a calligrapher, and an author. I’ve recently retired from education and have moved onto these new adventures.
I was born in Collingwood, Ontario and now live in Brantford with my awesome husband, Dave. Our growing family includes our eldest daughter, Jessica, married to Mark, with their son, Ethan, and their daughter, Logan; our son, Kristian David; our youngest daughter, Brianne, married to Jeff, with a daughter, Isabella. These kids of ours’ and grandkids too bring us so much joy!
I’ve lived in so many different cities around Ontario : Collingwood, Tilbury, Chatham, Brantford, Sarnia, London, St. Catharines, and Peterborough. Moving around from the time I was 2 years old has given me a sense of flexibility and of course, perseverance to find fun and purpose wherever I am.
I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Teacher Certification from the University of Western Ontario, London. In 1971 I was fortunate to receive the highest honours in Primary Education and furthered my studies with a Specialist in Special Education, Blind Methodology, and Computers in the Classroom. Having completed over 30 years of teaching with five different school boards in Ontario I decided to retire in December 2009 as a Special Education Consultant with the Grand Erie District School Board.
Since my early 20′s I’ve had a passion for calligraphy and photography. I believe my British Grandfather, James E. Devine, was my biggest inspiration because he loved being creative and had a serious eye for detail. He taught me all about how to create beautiful lines and curves in hand lettering leading me to take a course in creative calligraphy and later teach courses in the same. This creativeness has spilled over into having an eye for detail in photography. I love to take pictures of families, architecture, weddings, and nature. My hand-lettering and photographs give me great joy especially when others love it too.
Many of my framed photos have been on display in galleries around Brantford. In 2010 I wrote a children’s book, “Seasons Come Seasons Go” with illustrations painted by my friend, Irena Komadinic. All of my book profits are generously given to Autism Research on behalf of my grandson, Ethan, who is diagnosed with Autism.
Hope you love the website. My heartfelt thanks go to my son, Kristian. I am forever thankful for all he has done to encourage me and cheer me on!