I am the oldest of five children and grew up in Waukesha. I attended UW-LaCrosee and UW-Oshkosh with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in speech/communication. I taught Kindergarten in Merton, where I met me husband. I also taught middle school English, Math and Science in Wauwatosa. Aside from working with children, my other passion is photography. I have had a camera in my hand since I can remember. I spent 10 + years working at Prestige Portraits (A division of Lifetouch ~ which is now owned by Shutterfly), photographing mainly seniors and families. After years working in the Mukwonago School District, I have returned to photography full time and couldn’t be happier! When I’m not working, I love to get lost in a good book. I love all sports and get many opportunities to catch a variety of games and meets throughout the year.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Charlie and I have been married 24 years. We have 3 children. Our oldest daughter Delaney is a nurse in Denver, Colorado. Our son Tyler is a junior at UW-La Crosse. Valerie, our youngest will be joining him in La Crosse in the fall.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked in the MASD as a special education aide for over 10 years. I currently work for Lifetouch/Shutterfly. I travel to daycares/preschools throughout Wisconsin photographing 6 week olds – 4 year olds. I absolutely love my job! It pairs my two passions, photography and working with children. Making a child feel safe and confident and bringing a smile to their face is what brings me the most joy. I love working as a correspondent/photographer for our local newspaper, The Mukwonago Times. I love capturing special events in our community and am always sure to share the photos with the families so they have that memory to cherish for years to come.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fork in The Road (Artichoke dip) and Boneyard (green beans and Bang Bang Shrimp).
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
17 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Two people come to mind when I think Mukwonago, Margie Canfield and Craig Vertz. These two positive, kind, and supportive people are great examples of what our community strives to be. They have always shown up-with a smile, a hug and encouragement beyond measure for everyone.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Africa. I have always been fascinated with wild animals. I think to see them in their natural habitat would be incredible.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My two favorite movies are “Beaches” and “Castaway”. My favorite TV shows are “The Office” and “Frasier”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Ask for help if you need it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A cruise.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pink Floyd.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fork in The Road
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?
Steve Carrel (Michael Scott from the Office). He is a brilliant comedian/actor. I can imagine the stories he could tell and the laughs we could have over lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
From all my years working in the school district and working for the local newspaper, I have made many connections and friendships. I love going out and always seeing someone I know. I have met many wonderful people. It seems everywhere I go, there is a freindly face.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
I have made a difference in many students lives as a special education aide. I have believed in what they CAN do and encouraged them to have the confidence and drive to reach and exceed their goals. As a professional photographer, I have had the ideal opportunity to highlight so many special events celebrations, community milestones and traditions. As a correspondent and photographer for the Mukwonago Times for the last 10 years, I have featured hundreds of photographs and articles highlighting the heart and soul of our community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still doing the same thing!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Between 5th and 6th grade, I broke both of my arms at the same time. I fell off a horse while riding bareback at my uncle’s farm.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September (sweatshirt weather and football) Christmas is favorite holiday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband and kids’ support and unconditional love.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and 3 children inspire me to be the best version of myself.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of Gardenia’s and movie theater popcorn.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
warmth, laughter, memories
