I am a mom of two boys, cancer mom, preschool science teacher, and a volunteer coach for the Run Hard running team. Run Hard is an 8-week program where elementary and middle school aged children train to run a 5K all while focusing on 8 different character values. The program focuses on teamwork, leadership, wise choices, perseverance, respect, honesty, positive peer pressure, and work ethic. I have been a runner myself for years and a volunteer coach with the program for 4 years, and it brings me so much joy to see young kiddos get excited about running. It is so rewarding to watch the team work hard towards their goal of running a 5K and then cross that finish line at the end of the season, all while cheering each other on!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Dave, and I have been married almost 15 years and we have two sons, David 11 and Camden 9.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a science teacher at SUMC Preschool and Kindergarten. I love to see the kids get excited about science, especially when we do experiments. Baking soda and vinegar are magical at that age!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bobby’s BBQ, Stella’s, Exchange Co.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been a Simpsonville resident for 16 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Australia because hearing people talk with an Australian accent is like music to the ears. Plus everything in Australia looks beautiful and like a tiny piece of heaven!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I would tell people to try, even if a goal looks too big or unreachable at the beginning. You may surprise yourself and go above and beyond that original goal, but you never know unless you try.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Running the Boston Marathon! I tried for several years to qualify to run the Boston Marathon and fell short on my marathon finish times. One of these years I will make it there and earn one of those coveted jackets!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love Carolina Olive Oil, not only the products but the customer service as well. To this day, Leeann still asks about my son and his health whenever I go in there and he has been off chemo treatments for over 7 years now.
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 would go to lunch with Des Linden because she’s an amazing runner and won the Boston Marathon in 2018, plus she’s hilarious. I would take her to Farm Fresh Fast because I can’t wait for it to open!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the Clock Tower and how it sits right at the center of downtown. My running buddies and I used to meet there multiple times a week to start our early-morning downtown runs.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Wherever life takes me! Ten years ago, I would have never pegged myself as becoming a cancer mom, but here I am. Life is so unpredictable and I am here for the ride.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in California, where my family was one of two Caucasian families on our street. It taught me so much about other cultures, acceptance and love for everyone.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Kauai, Hawaii for our honeymoon…the green foliage, blue waters, and clear waterfalls are breathtaking!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My boys inspire me to be better. I fall short for them daily, and most of the time when I am frustrated with them, it’s for some behavior or quality that they picked up from me. So they inspire me to do better for them.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
A neighbor is someone that you can depend on for a friendly wave, a driveway conversation, a cup of flour, an emergency contact, or really anything. A neighbor is a built-in support system, right outside your front door.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, rest, safety
