I was born in rural Wisconsin, about 7 miles outside of Oconomowoc. My mother was an operating room nurse and my father an entrepreneur and the hardest working person I ever met who knew how to work and play hard. They taught a strong work ethic and let us be free-range children. I accomplished 3 college degrees in the 10 years after high school, one of which was in Denver which still holds a very special place in my heart. I had my first date with my husband-to-be on my 30th birthday and he has proven to be an amazing partner and best friend. Our lives are full and chaotic and the family we grew together has tolerated my constant drive to be influential in the community by volunteering my time and energy as a volleyball coach, St. James catechist and parish council member, Cub Scout Pack Committee Chair, and Girl Scout Leader. I grew communities of support and social interaction through two Facebook groups, Mukwonago Moms and Mukwonago Area Online Moms Group.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to Mark for 17 years and he have four children Joslyn (16), Garrett (15), Bennett (13) and Rylan (10)
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am CEO of K&S Manufacturing in Ixonia and have been there 12 years. Prior to that I was an ICU nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s. While these careers are a world apart, they also share the same attributes of leadership, turmoil, helping others, decisiveness, importance and endless energy expenditure. It is these attributes that make me love what I do and have done.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Antigua Real is a top favorite; it has the most authentic South American dishes I have had anywhere in the US. Fork in the Road is also a favorite.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Mukwonago in 2007
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would say Miss Jane from the Mukwonago Community Library. Her passion for and knowledge of children’s literature has influenced me and my children. Her Lapsit Storytime class is even more memorable as bouncing two other small children on my lap helped me go into labor with my third child.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy, it has great food, interesting history and architecture, and a glorious landscape.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie is The Mission, its’s a story of forgiveness, redemption and determination plus it’s my favorite soundtrack
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you change your mindset, you change your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hiking the- entire Ice Age Trail but not necessarily at one time!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
ABBA or For King & Country
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fork in the Road, great food plus years of great memories. The building itself and location has a long history in Mukwonago.
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?
I would take Tony Robbins to Fork in the Road. I would suck all his knowledge and advice on personal growth and business strategy while looking at the pictures on the wall of famous Wisconsinites who have also done great things.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is the people. Of all my different friend groups from all over, I find them to be so kind and down-to-earth.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
I have volunteered everywhere and have built communities where local moms can find support, hopefully both have touched a lot of lives.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Semi-retired but doing 20 new ventures at the same time. By 10 years I plan to be building a new home on lots of land.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a goal to learn to play the piano, the cello and the bagpipes.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is June as gardens go in, kids get out of school and weather allows outside dining. The best holiday is Christmas, love the music, decorations and lots of giving. The single best day is Mother’s Day as I feel spoiled and allow myself to take a break.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Ice cream any day and any time
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My professional group colleagues and various authors/speakers
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
vanilla, almond and anything freshly baked
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Safety and Lived-in
