I grew up in an Iowan farming community and am the #3 child out of 5. I attended college in Iowa, but left to work and help my parents financially. I have a background in theatre, biology and physics – which are still interests for me. When I was 16, I got my first copy of Grey’s Anatomy with a goal of being a Forensic Pathologist or General Surgeon. I’ve always liked Olympic style wrestling: Greco Roman (my fav) and Freestyle. In fact, watching the Olympics (Summer and Winter) are such loves of mine, attending the Summer games is at the top of my “bucket list” – Not this year though. I am a ravenous book reader, movie watcher and adore music – I have a very eclectic taste and don’t have a favorite genre’ in any of them. I do have a few books that stand out: To Kill a Mocking Bird, Cold Comfort Farm, and the works of Jane Austen. My husband Randy and I have been married for over 35 years and have 3 adult children of who I am extremely proud. My only regret is I never finished college. Not enough time or money. But I have worked in a variety of jobs: from a bakery to medical clinics/chiropractic to special needs students to administrative asst. at MASD. I was very involved in volunteering in the school district from PTO/PTG officer at Section, Rolling Hills, Park View and MHS, fundraising for MHS Gymnastics for 6 years and MHS Wrestling. As 2 of our children were wrestlers and my husband a coach I spent a lot of time volunteering for the Mukwonago Wrestling Club and I am a former USA Pairer for Wisconsin. I love what I do- Managing Director for Polka Dot Powerhouse Milwaukee Chapter and Ind. Mary Kay Consultant! I am blessed every day!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
3 Adult Children: Brie, Abbi, Kevyn
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I wear two hats: I am an Independent Mary Kay consultant for 30 years and I am the Managing Director for Polka Dot Powerhouse Milwaukee Chapter. I love both as they allow me to help women, PDP is a totally unique connection company for women and with Mary Kay I can educate people to care for their skin as it is the largest organ in the body.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Shanahan’s Coffee House and Imperial House.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Mukwonago 30 years and worked primarily here too.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Chris Goebel – She’s kind, fun, and multi-faceted.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Niagara Falls – obviously the beauty. Norway, Scotland, London and Ireland – family roots and friends in London! Hey, after being confined to home everywhere looks good!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Huge Marvel Movie fan. Grey’s Anatomy
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never take advice from anyone with whom you wouldn’t trade places. Trust your gut, head and heart in that order.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to UK, run 5K again, finish writing my book and cook book.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Cranberries: Zombie or Robert Downey, Jr: Broken/Man Like Me or Post Malone : Circles or Lauren Daigle: You Say..
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fennel’s shoe store. Bernice could tell your child’s size by simply looking.
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?
Amy Poehler. She’s quite brilliant with a gift of words & comedy. Shanahan’s. She’d love the Cinnamon Rolls!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that people decorate for Christmas. Winter is my favorite season and the lights bring my joy. I love that so many here still put up lights and are not tearing them down the day after a holiday. Maybe that means it brings them joy too.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Honestly? Hopefully alive and still doing what I love!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I played an Oompa Loompa in a stage production of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Astoria, Oregon. Its simply beautiful. (Goonies was filmed there too!)
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I should say my birthday, but its December/January when the snow flies!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
creme brûlée’ with the crackly top!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our children.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The air just as it starts snowing. Baking bread reminds me of my parents – my Dad would make bread every Saturday night.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Joy. Strength.
