I grew up in mid-Michigan and after college and getting married to a military man, I moved around the states for 24 years. After our divorce and graduating our youngest son, I had the opportunity to move anywhere I wanted to and chose Traverse City, Michigan. My parents had retired up here in 2000, and after coming to TC for 18 summers, I knew I wanted to live here full time. I have been involved in education my entire adult life, first as a professional teacher in public and private schools and then as a homeschool parent/co-op teacher. When I moved to Traverse City I joined the TCAPS team as a Homebound Teacher. I work with a very special population of students who are too sick to be in school, but still need teacher support every week to help them not fall behind. During Covid, I started my own educational consulting business, Helping School at Home. I help families navigate starting or adapting their homeschool plans, support their kids if they are doing virtual school, or tutor in math or ELA if they are doing in person school. I love the work that I do in our community and I have enjoyed every family I have helped. I enjoy everything outdoors in our little corner of the world: hiking, running, Nordic skiing, pickleball, yoga, kayaking, SUPing. I am especially grateful for all the great restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries in our area that host live music. There is always so much to do in TC year round!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My two sons are grown and on their own. My parents still live in TC. It’s just me and my 16 year old dog!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always loved teaching and found and created the perfect jobs for me. My favorite part of working with a student is when I see them understand a concept or finish a paper and they have pride in themselves. Showing students that they can do hard things is the best!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Just a couple?? Red Ginger, Poppycock’s, The Boathouse, RareBird, The Filling Station, West End Tavern, Opa’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
3.5 years, but have visited every summer since 2000. My parents live here and I love everything about GTC.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Scotland. My family heritage is Scottish and I’ve always wanted to hike there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a huge Marvel and Star Wars fan. Favorite TV shows are Ted Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, and Parks and Rec.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Get outside and try something new. And for eating out, try a new restaurant or maybe even a cuisine you haven’t had before. We have everything here and it is all good!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Skydiving and going on an RV trip to see all the National Parks.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
The little mom & pop ice cream shops, like Bardon’s and Dairy Lodge. It’s so great to see people lined up there to get their cones on a hot summer day.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
My friend Lisa (North Carolina) because it has been too long since we have had a visit and she loves it up here. I’d like to take her to Poppycock’s for a cocktail and good food.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is how many people get outside year round. It is the most active community I have ever been a part of.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living here in GTC-maybe in a little house on a lake.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to dance. I just can’t sit still when a good song comes on!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sleeping Bear Point in Glen Haven.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
July-I have unwound from the school year and the next school year is still weeks away. July 4th because I have so many family memories and I like fireworks.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students. They are facing challenges that are so hard, that anything I can do to be the best teacher I can be for them, makes me strive to be better.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
Summer is my favorite season in NoMi. I love to be out on the water!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort, belonging.
