I was born and raised in New Berlin, WI. Growing up soccer was my passion; I had many accolades but also many injuries, even as an adult playing on co-ed teams. My husband Bob and I met while coaching soccer for a youth organization during college. I graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in Radiation Therapy and a minor in Psychology.
Volunteering and giving back to the community has always been important to my family. I have carried this torch in Mukwonago serving on the village’s Downtown Strategic Plan Steering Committee and Downtown Development Committee. I also serve on Mukwonago Community Library’s Board of Trustees. I enjoy spending time outdoors gardening, participating in sports with our children, and opening my home to family and friends. Chatting is one of my best hobbies and I’m always up for a cup of coffee!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
This May I will have been married to Bob for 13 years. We have two children that are forever keeping us on our toes, Maura just turned 12 and Jamesen will be 9 in June, both attend Clarendon Avenue Elementary.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked at Froedtert Hospital’s Clinical Cancer Center for the past 16 years as a radiation therapist. The most rewarding part of my job is caring for others during what can be the most difficult moments in their lives.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Definitely, Antigua Real, Fork in the Road, LD’s BBQ (East Troy) and Espresso Love Coffee!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Bob grew up in this community and graduated from Clarendon, Park View, and Mukwonago High. It was an easy decision to choose Mukwonago as the place that we would live and raise our children. We have lived in this community for 13 years and chose to buy a home in the historic village. We love the downtown atmosphere of this community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Prior to us buying our house we were blessed to meet our soon-to-be neighbors, Marty and Sue Perkins. Marty had a special way of making you feel like your conversation was the most important one he had had all day. His unending kindness, knowledge of local history, love of family and children exemplified everything a neighbor should be. Both he and Sue became lifelong friends. For those that didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Marty he was the curator of research at Old World Wisconsin and lifelong resident of Mukwonago.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
During college I had the pleasure of studying in Edinburgh, Scotland. This opportunity fostered my love for travel and I have returned several times to Europe. On my bucket list is Prague in the Czech Republic for its architectural beauty.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Schitt’s Creek. The outlandish designer clothing and dry wit of the actors is unparalleled in my estimation.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Kindness matters. You do not know what someone else may be experiencing, always give them grace.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
See above :).
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Kenny Chesney, Bob and I have many memories of going to Summerfest, waiting in line for the gates to open, and rushing to get the free grass seat tickets.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Espresso Love Coffee. While Bob and I were trying to decide where to live we stopped in and began a conversation with the previous owner, Katie. She took the time to chat with us and point out a few options for renting. It’s that kind of hometown charm that makes living here so special.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My best friends, I enjoy laughing and being around those that I love. We would choose Antiqua Real for some of the most amazing South American Cuisine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The hiking trails in the Vernon Marsh, the library’s MANY amenities, our numerous parks, the proximity of the Mukwonago River and Phantom Lake, and the people that always seem to welcome you.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Married, kids almost out of the house, paying for college, living the best life here in Mukwonago.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open book, there isn’t much that people don’t know. The good, the bad and the ugly!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The family farm in Waupaca, WI.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite Month: September – I love fall. Favorite Holiday: CHRISTMAS. Best Day: May 17.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Floating the Waupaca River.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom, she has always been my hero. She is fun-loving, laughs easily, always the life of a party, sincere, smart, and helped me edit this :).
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass and rain.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Chaos, good food, love.
