Like so many in our community, I wear many hats! I enjoy being active and involved & am currently keeping busy as a graduate school professor, school psychologist, wife, mom, elected School board member, Sunday School teacher, women’s club board member, scout leader, and PTA volunteer. When I can find time, I love to be active outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, playing tennis or soccer, or walking with friends. Unscheduled downtime is precious but happily spent enjoying the outdoors together, watching movies or sports, or cooking & eating together with family.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Matt and I have two children, a 13yr old boy & 10yr old girl and a Bullmastiff named Jane. Our time together is typically spent enjoying the outdoors – camping, hiking, biking, fishing, or swimming; cheering on our kids’ in their respective sports or one of our favorite professional teams – the Cubs & the Packers; playing games, or cooking & eating together. We love finding time to catch up with extended family – our folks, siblings, and our 20 nieces & nephews scattered all over the country.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently teaching graduate school classes in school psychology and love the opportunity to help train more school-based mental health professionals. I worked as a school psychologist for 10yrs as part of an early childhood diagnostic team in Park Ridge and know that there is a critical shortage of school paychologists and related service professionals to support students experiencing academic, social, emotional, or developmental challenges. I started my career as a special education teacher with Teach for America before completing my doctorate in school psychology. I have always had a passion for work with children and enjoy the incredible challenges and rewards of teaching and supporting students to find success and happiness in their school experience. Since 2017 I have served as an elected School Board Member for our local elementary school district, Maercker District 60. This role has taught me so much about how the decisions that impact our children and community are made and I have great appreciation for all who volunteer their time to service in support of public education.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
For a meal out with family, you can often find us at the Country House in Clarendon Hills, Chuck’s BBQ in Darien, or Grille 89 in Westmont. When Matt and I can squeeze in a date night, we enjoy Vistro in Hinsdale, Foxtail, Cadence Kitchen, or Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove, Vie in Western Springs, Victory in Elmhurst, the Elm in LaGrange, Restoration Hardware Rooftop in Oak Brook or trying new places nearby.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Hinsdale for 10yrs and previously lived in Oak Park and Wrigleyville. Matt and I grew up near Indianapolis and started our life together in Philadelphia before making Chicago home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It is way too difficult to pick just one! I’ve met so many amazing women and neighbors in our close knit neighborhood through participation in the Golfview Hills Women’s Club. I’ve loved the relationships and friendships I’ve found in our church community at Christ Lutheran Church in Clarendon Hills. The community members I’ve met while serving on the Maercker have taught me much about service, leadership, and collaborative decision making. The dedicated parents serving in our local PTA, Scouts, and youth sports programs constantly amaze me with their tireless energy, creativity, and commitment to our children & community. I’ve made lifelong friends in each of these spheres that inspire or challenge me, not to mention making life incredibly fun!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
First to Salt Lake City, Charleston, Boston and San Francisco to visit family. Matt and I would love to plan a trip to Europe with our kids and perhaps a 20th anniversary trip to a part of the world we have not yet explored.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
We love a good family movie night and a chance to share some classic movie favorites with our kids or check out a new streaming show together. Recently we’ve enjoyed the Stranger Things series, Abbott Elementary, Ghosts, and the Mandalorian on streaming, or some classic thrillers as we get ready for Halloween.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be humble, you always have more to learn and everyone you meet can teach you something. Listen and observe more and speak less. Forgive readily and choose your battles wisely, life is too short to spend time in anger or resentment.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit as many places we can that we’ve never been to. Live long enough to see my kids grow into adults & maybe even meet a great grandchild.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Avett Brothers
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dips & Dogs, the ice cream stand that used to operate next to Fuller House. Many great memories of riding bikes there with the kids.
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’d love to have lunch with Michelle Obama. I’m sure she knows classic Chicago lunch spots better than I do, I would defer to the former First Lady’s recommendation.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the mix of long-standing and newer residents in our community. Many people have lived here their whole life or returned to Hinsdale to start their own family here. It’s a welcoming community and I appreciate the commitment I see to the values of caring for our community, education, and leaving things better than we found them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I expect we will be right here, continuing to raise our family and give back to this community however we can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love almost all kinds of puzzles and games. I’m almost always working on a crossword puzzle or 2 or 3, but I often don’t finish them & it really doesn’t bother me at all. I enjoy the process and coming back to it later when I can.
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?
December – I love everything about the winter holidays and spending time with family and friends. I also love the summer holidays – Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day since the weather at those times makes celebrating outdoors so enjoyable. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are always filled with so many of the things & people I love.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A day in Chicago with our kids – museums, the beach, a Cubs game, or a show & some amazing local food.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids inspire me to be better and a role model for them. I hope they see the time I spend serving and helping others as a sign of the values I uphold to share my time, talents, and privileges in service of others.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cookies or pies baking in the oven, freshly bloomed lilac flowers in spring.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Food, And Fun together.
