age 47 | Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics | Trenton Township 

family | Husband, Tom | children Kevin, 18/Freshman at Wittenburg University; Nicole, 16/Junior at BWHS; Danny, 12/6th grade at BWMSWHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SERVE ON THE BIG WALNUT BOARD OF EDUCATION?
After serving on the ABC Committee for the bond issue and the levy committees, I realized I had learned quite a bit about school finance and policy and found I enjoyed being involved with the whole district. Once I took some time to catch my breath after the levy passed in November 2010, I continued to attend board meetings and had a desire to stay involved. Our schools are a vital part of our community and I have energy and passion for both. Being on the BOE is a way to use those gifts to help keep our district and our community strong and vibrant.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT BIG WALNUT SCHOOLS?
Wow ~ there is so much to be proud about in our district. Our students and their individual and collective achievements and their unbelievable commitment to the people of our community, our staff who really work to guide and inspire the students on a daily basis, and the community that rallies around the district to keep it strong ~ all of these things make me proud to say I am a Big Walnut Eagle!

WHAT SURPRISES YOU ABOUT SERVING ON A BOARD OF EDUCATION?
I'm still pretty new so my experience as a board member isn't very extensive, but so far I would have to say the complexity of what the district has to do in terms of providing the best possible education to the students in our district, and at the same time keeping all the legislative, legal and financial areas in order as well. I have been amazed at how well our district does all of this ~ we are blessed with very dedicated and passionate people working together for the benefit of our nearly 3,000 students.

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR SCHOOLS?
Any way I can! I go to the district website often, read the principal's updates for the different buildings, read the local newspapers, follow the district sports on Twitter, talk to students, parents, teachers and other people who work in the district. I am a bit of an information/communication junkie, so I love to know what is going on.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE SOME KEY INITIATIVES FOR THE BW BOARD OF EDUCATION IN 2012? 
Managing our finances so that the 2010 operating levy lasts the 5 years it was intended to last, and managing the new standards/mandates for curriculum so that we stay ahead of the curve and keep our excellent rating. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE JUNK FOOD?
Is dark chocolate a junk food?

MY LIFE WOULD BE SIMPLER IF....
I didn't like to be busy ~ but then I would probably be bored so I guess I like it just how it is!

IF YOU SUDDENLY CAME INTO $1000 IN SPARE CASH, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT?
Surprise people with gifts and donate to those in need.

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GOOD AT?
Encouraging others and problem solving

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER & WHY?

Mrs. Edwards, my 4th grade teacher, who came to my house after school several times a week after I was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever and wasn't allowed to walk, let alone go to school, for nearly 5 months. She inspired me to read and learn on my own during those months, but also kept me in touch with my classmates via cassette tape recordings and cards so I wouldn't feel so alone.

WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ OR MOVIE YOU SAW IN 2011?
I don't see many movies, but I am in a book club, so I read a lot. I can't think of a stand-out from 2011, but I know in 2012 it will be the 8th book of the Outlander series!

IF YOU COULD CHANGE PLACES WITH ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD, FOR ONE DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE? 
There are many people I would love to spend an hour or two with, but I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone ~ I love my life!