I grew up in Anderson, Indiana where I attended St. Mary’s grade school from grade K-8 followed by Anderson Highland High School. Growing up I was involved in a wide range of activities including student government, show choir, bowling, softball, and yearbook. I was also very involved in my youth group at St. Mary’s church and enjoyed working on retreat teams, attending service trips through Catholic HEART Workcamp, singing and playing violin for the youth ensemble.
I moved to Ohio in 2004 to attend the University of Dayton where I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with concentrations in social work and family development. Throughout my four years I had the opportunity to lead campus ministry retreats, volunteer at a number of community agencies, and participate in intramural sports. I worked for four years in the UD Women’s Studies office and I spent two years working for East End Community Services after participating in a Semester of Service experience.
The University of Dayton provided me with many wonderful experiences, but the most significant was my introduction to the Marianist family. I lived in Marianist student communities for two years and in my senior year I went through formation with a group of students to become a Lay Marianist. I continue to gather in prayer and formation with my community, the Summons, twice a year even though we live and work all across the country.
I continued my education at UD earning my Master’s in Education in School Counseling and working through a graduate fellowship with the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community at Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley. My work allowed me to do volunteer coordination, homelessness prevention, and youth volunteerism through the development of the first Global Youth Service Day in the Miami Valley.
I married my husband, Andy, in October 2009 and have spent the last year in formation to begin an intentional living Marianist Community in East Dayton. The two of us and another couple have made a commitment to live together, gather for prayer and meals, and to extend a warm presence to the community surrounding us.
I am excited to start my journey here at CJ. I look forward to the development of the City Connects at CJ program as I have faith that it will allow us to better achieve our mission of educating the whole person, working for justice, and developing family spirit.
Peace.