I grew up in Midland, Texas in a big Catholic family that included 3 sisters and a brother. I went to TCU in Fort Worth and graduated with a bachelors degree in business management. Two years after college, I married my college boyfriend and we have been married for over 30 years. After we married we lived in Dallas for a while and I worked as merchandise coordinator for Levi Strauss and Co. We then moved to Bethesda, MD for 10 years where I continued my job with Levi. In 1999 I had our first son and I have been a stay home mom ever since. I had my second son in 2002 and then we moved back to Dallas in 2007. We moved to Lakewood and have loved living here! I had our third son in 2008 and started volunteering at Lakewood elementary. My passion for homelessness and food insecurity led me to volunteering in the Woodrow Peace Pantry. I have been working on the Woodrow Peace Pantry committee for 8 years and in 2020 we formed our own 501c3 and I have served as the president since that time.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have 3 boys. The oldest just graduated from TCU and he is currently working for HMM in Dallas. My middle son is a junior at LSU and is enjoying being a Cajon. My youngest is a freshman at Woodrow. We have a sweet mini golden doodle named Milo.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the president of the Woodrow Community Peace Pantry which is my favorite “career”. We have been around for years but we are now an official non-profit. I love the daily operations of the pantry but my favorite part is spreading what we do to other schools. We have opened 10 additional pantries and we are currently working with 4 schools to establish pantries.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
For a good inexpensive family meal we love Tony’s Pizza and Pasta. We also like going to Hudson House or takeout from Ginger Thai
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Lakewood for 15 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Brook Varner. She is a biology teacher at Woodrow who started the peace pantry. Her love and passion for kids is amazing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to Bora Bora. We went there for our 30th anniversary and it was paradise!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have loved watching Handmaid’s Tale. We also watched Parks and Rec as a family which was really funny!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and follow your passion. Also make time for family meals despite your busy schedules.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To go on a safari in Africa.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Fleetwood Mac
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
This is so funny but it is the Dollar Tree. All three of my kids have spent hours exploring and purchasing from the dollar tree. We also can purchase some items for the pantry from there.
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?
My group of college friends. There are 5 of us and we all live in different cities/states and we do not get to see each other enough. I think we would go eat Mexican food and sit and chat for hours.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love all of the different types of people in our community. I also love how easy it is to be yourself.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
We hope to stay in Lakewood and maybe our kids will have families and live in Lakewood as well!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I completed the Marine Corps marathon.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Bora Bora
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love October. It starts to cool down and I love the state fair. I also enjoy Thanksgiving because we get to be with extended family without all of the gifts and extra stuff. My favorite day on the calendar is Mother’s Day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Walking at White Rock Lake with my friends and my dog.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband – Jim
Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?
I feel like every kid deserves a chance and I try to make that happen as much as I can.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of grilling out!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, safe space, and a place to gather.
