I am a seasoned executive who has always been dedicated to working in the faith based not for profit industry. I believe in creating an organizational culture where the people served as well as the employees are given the freedom to define and live out how to “embrace living”.  I am dedicated to helping people find and understand what “wellness”means to them and giving them opportunities to explore what makes them happiest in their life and work.

I am a nationally recognized speaker on topics such as Leadership, "How to create a culture of Engaged Employees", "How to Be a Great Mentor and Coach" and "How to Lead with Heart"

Embrace Living Communities is an 122 year old faith based organization closely aligned with the United  Church of Christ. We create affordable , welcoming homes,for actively aging individuals.  We believe that all people have the right to live in a home that supports the personal needs they have and gives them the opportunity to age with dignity and grace.  We have 35 housing communities in three states..IL, FL and MO.

I have found a way to combine my passion for working with the elderly and special needs populations, love for the environment, commitment to social justice issues, particularly the need for affordable safe housing,and  nonprofit faith based servant leadership.

I received my Master's in Health and Healthcare Administration/Management from University of St. Francis and my Bachelor's in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  Over the past 40years I  have always had commitment to learn something new from every opportunity I sought, to volunteer my time with at least one organization every year and strive to be present “in the moment” to enjoy and  ontinue to learn from all that I do.

Over the years my main challenge has been being taken seriously in an organization like ours while being paid much less then my male counterparts. I have had to work twice as hard, but I am thankful that my hard work paid off and now am in a position of executive leadership in the organization.

As a young woman, men were my mentors, finding women in leadership roles was difficult. While we have made progress, there is certainly still a deficit of women in leadership and executive level positions.

My greatest strengths include my abilities to communicate and to mentor and motivate others. I am able to help people, of all ages and stages of their careers identify  their strengths, realize their potential, find passion in their lives and change their path as needed. 

My greatest accomplishment has been to watch my daughter grow into respected, valued leader.

Secondly, it is an honor to have been chosen to lead Embrace Living Communities and work with my team to create  a place to work that honors people of all ages,  encourages employees and residents alike to find the “special sauce that makes them proud to “actively Age” and Embrace life.

My hope is to spend a lot more time mentoring and advocating. I am actively talking to legislators and trying to help  them understand the importance of services and housing for our seniors. Next year I will be dedicating 50% of my work time toward advocacy and I will be working with colleagues to address seniors affordable housing needs. I am also working on empowering employees to be active in the community their housing communities are located, and having residents serve the community as well.

My inspiration comes from the people I serve and their stories. We are affiliated with the United Church of Christ, a church dedicated to ensuring justice and welcome for all.

I want to be remembered as someone who encouraged and helped people to realize their potential. I want to be known as a servant to others and for making my life's work about serving others.

• Leading Age
• AARP
• The Council of Health and Human Ministries

50 of 50 Award, AARP - 2017

• Embrace Living Communities
• United Church of Christ
• the Morton arboretum
• the Nature Conservancy

gardening

hiking

riding my eliptigo

writing poetry

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