I am a happy wife and a new mother to a nine-month old boy! Family means everything to me and I cherish the memories made with my family. I am a very positive and optimistic person, with a bubbly personality! I have been a preschool educator for 5 years and hold true to the statement, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life”. I reside in beautiful Traverse City and plan to raise my family here; this is and will always be my home.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful husband, Bill who is a registered nurse at Munson Medical Center. He is a hard-worker and puts his heart into everything he does for his patients and his family. I am a new mother to a beautiful boy, Caden, full of energy like his mother! Watching him grow and learn gives our hearts so much joy! We look forward to expanding our family in the future.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a preschool educator at Grand Traverse Academy. What I love most about my job, is the opportunity to set the foundation for the next generation. I am so blessed to be able to spend my days with young minds willing and excited to learn. Their love for learning is contagious! My students make me a better person and teach me to have a positive outlook on life!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Red Mesa and Firefly. The service is always excellent at each establishment and the food is delicious. I can always count on good food and good company when I visit these restaurants.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I was born in Michigan, 30 minutes south of Traverse City. Traverse City has always been a part of my life. I have been living in this county for 10 years now. What used to be a quick family drive for shopping or a beautiful beach outing, is the place I am raising a family and lucky to call home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It is nearly impossible to pick just one person, as I have created many lasting relationships in my community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always dreamed of visiting Hawaii for the beautiful beaches and breath-taking atmosphere. The cuisine would be a wonderful bonus!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I will always stay true to my love for “The Notebook” because we all deserve a love like the characters Noah and Allie shared!
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Plan for a longer stay to see all the beautiful sights and to try a variety of wonderful places to dine. Be sure to strike up some conversation with the locals, as they can provide the greatest experiences you will have in the place we call home.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I have wanted to hold and snuggle a baby orangutan for as long as I can remember!
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
I would have to say West Bay gives me the most nostalgia. The Fourth of July fireworks, carnival and concerts are some of the few places I can visit in the summer and have vivid memories with a smile on my face.
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?*
I would choose my family and have a picnic at Bryant Park just like we used to do when I was little. We held all our summer events there; so many great moments were shared at the same picnic table where so many stories and laughs were shared.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I will always see the Cherry Festival as the most valued event in our community. The opportunity for people all over the world to come see where we call home is not taken for granted. The beauty of Traverse City will stay in all of tourists memories.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years I see myself with an expanded family, still happily married and teaching at Grand Traverse Academy! My school will always hold a special place in my heart. The relationships created with parents, colleagues and especially students, will forever be cherished.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know that I can be very shy if I am in a room with people I do not know. I feel I have gained a lot of confidence over the years, but I still wait for someone else to spark conversation in an unfamiliar environment.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful view I have witnessed was right here on Grand Traverse Bay, fishing in the early morning, on my husband’s boat watching the sunrise over glass calm waters.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month of September because I love fall and it also means I get to begin another year, shaping young minds. My favorite holiday is Christmas, due to the family traditions, beautiful decorations and Christmas music. The best single day on the calendar is June 8th, when we celebrated the birth of our baby boy! Each year, we get to relive that special moment!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband inspires me to be better with his love and support in anything I do. My students also inspire me daily to be better, because someone is always looking up to you, whether you realize it or not.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
My favorite season is fall in northern Michigan. I love the smells, colors of the leaves changing and bundling up in warm clothing. My favorite activity in the fall is sitting by a bonfire, sharing stories and laughter with family and friends.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Shelter
