I was born in DeKalb Illinois, then moved to Wickliffe Ohio, grew up in Streetsboro Ohio, and moved when I was a junior in high school to Ashland. Graduated from Ashland High School, Ashland University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and from Regis University with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. I started my career as a licensed social worker in the child welfare field specifically working in foster care, adoption and then for a very long time as the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Program Officer at Providence House, a Crisis Nursery in Cleveland that works with families actively living in crisis situations placing their children at higher risk for abuse and neglect. Moved back to Ashland from Cleveland where I lived for 18 years in 2016 and became the Executive Director of United Way of Ashland County in January 2017.

I have 3 children, two girls and a boy and they are the lights and loves of my life. They are from oldest to youngest only 4 years apart, and we are in the thick of teenage to preteen stage. The beach (any beach) is our favorite place to go as a family.

I love putting our donor dollars into action to create meaningful and sustainable change for Ashland County. I also love watching the Partner Agencies that we fund work together to create strong foundations for families in need. They really are the heart and soul of what we do, and they work so hard to get clients the support that they need.

Both, and we have two of each, just to make our household a little crazier than it already is. Dash, Lolli, Luna, and Rex.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be teleportation. So many uses, and so helpful!

I can’t tell you all that, it is the most embarrassing thing ever. Ask me in person and I will tell you and then we can laugh together. It is that good.

I was born in Ashland, Ohio, and moved to Imperial Beach, California when I was a few months old. I moved back to Loudonville, Ohio when I was 4 and have been here ever since, even though the beach is where I always wanted to be. I graduated from Loudonville in 1999 and then from NC State with a degree in office management. I then worked in an office roll at Ashland Chemical for 15 yrs, then moved to office management at Centerra Co-Op Loudonville Branch for 11 years. I have had a passion for working with the United Way since they helped us when my father passed away at the age of 45 from cancer. 21 years later I finally got the chance to work in a bigger roll with United Way.

Traveling was a big part of life growing up and it has never left me. I’m always planning the next trip for my wife and I or other family.  I have a grown stepdaughter and son-in-law, a beautiful grandson, and two nephews that I spoil way too much. When not traveling or spending time with friends and family you can find me with my nose in a book or earbuds in listening to one.

When my dad was sick the community had a benefit for our family. It was so inspiring and emotional to see an entire community(not just Loudonville, but Ashland and other surrounding communities) come together to help us. I knew it was something I needed to do to give back to the community and people that helped our family during such a difficult time.

Teleportation, then traveling would be so much quicker and easier!

I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but realized as I got older that I would have needed to be a millionaire because I would rescue and keep all the animals that no one wanted. 

I am an Oklahoma native but Ashland-ian at heart! I hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and have served as Director with several Preschool and Childcare programs over the years in both states. My heart and passion is to serve and I am excited about this leap from direct services to more behind the scenes but powerful work to amplify the unifying power of community through the work of United Way. 

My husband Charles and I have been married for 25 years.  We have two children who are both in college and we couldn’t be more proud of the people they are becoming. We love to travel and enjoy life on our small acreage in the woods!

I love seeing how each donated dollar can have a true effect on the community. There is no donation too small or personal financial sacrifice that is made without direct positive impact in our county. Hearing the stories from donors of why they choose to donate through United Way is so moving and makes the work worth every effort!

Both! Plus chickens & goats!

We have two dogs, Rusty & Maggie. Our two inside cats are Percy and Harvey, and the two very spoiled outside mouser cats are Apollo and Artemis.  

We also have chickens and a little pygmy goat on our little acreage that are just the most fun!

If I could chose a superhero power, it would definitely be teleportation. Efficient and effective!