I am originally from Chesapeake, VA and currently reside in Simpsonville. I spent 23 years on active duty in the US Air Force. After my military service, I moved to the Upstate with my children. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Park University, and am currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Positive Psychology. I am Master Resilience Trainer, a Certified/Registered Yoga teacher, and a Lifestyle Management Coach. I recently took on a role with the Veterans Yoga Project to develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program for the organization, which I am really excited about. I am also a member of the Eta Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. I own Nprogress Consulting, LLC. It is a coaching and consulting agency at the intersection of Personal and Professional development, wellness and social justice work.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 2 children. My oldest child, Basil is 21 years old and currently lives in Savannah, GA attending Savannah College of Art and Design. My youngest child is 16 years old. She will be 17 in June. She is a Junior at Hillcrest High School. I also have a “grandkitty”, that I affectionately call “Kat”.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
When I was in the military, I was a Mental Health Technician/Drug and Alcohol Counselor. After I retired, I worked as a Veteran Career Coach and as a Wellness Coach. I am now a full time entrepreneur. I’ve been contracted by two Non Profit organizations in the Upstate to provide case management and outreach services for youth and families. I also help the organization to implement ideas and execute programs. The thing I love most about what I do is that I am doing purposed work. I am making a difference in the lives of children, families and non profit leaders. I love being able to be of service to those in my community who need it the most.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There is a spot called TRUTH GRILL AND CHILL in Mauldin that has a really good afterwork/dinner vibe. I also like Bobby’s Barbeque, it’s right up the street from my house and has such good food. Now, if you want something a little healthier, try Pure Juice Bar on Main Street in Simpsonville.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I purchased my home in Simpsonville in 2018.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I have met Marnie Schwartz. Her and I met in 2015 when I was still in the military, before I moved to the Upstate. Marnie has a pretty unique perspective on business and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, she has been a resource and support for me for the past 7 years. I am grateful for our connection.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to at least 3 or 4 more countries in Africa, and I want to experience Greece. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa to learn more about African People and cultures. It’s on my life’s “to do” list.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My best advice to people is that there is no wrong way for YOU to be YOU.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to Greece and to 3 or 4 countries in Africa.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There was a restaurant on main street called Zamorah’s that I would go to regularly. It’s closed down now, but it was one of my favorite local businesses to support.
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 love to sit down and talk to Either Iyanla Vanzant, or Lisa Nichols. Both ladies came from humble beginnings and have turned their life experience into meaningful, purposed work. I admire them both.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like that Simpsonville is not as busy and crowded as other upstate cities. I love that it still has a quiet hometown feel and several unique small businesses. And I’m a fan of the Heritage Park Concert Series.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Traveling the US and the world, doing public speaking tours.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a golden Karaoke microphone that I carry around in my purse.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I spent 7 days in Bali, and it was the most beautiful/scenic place I’ve ever been to in my life.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children, the ones I gave birth to, and the ones I serve in the community inspire me to be better and to keep moving forward.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
I guess a neighbor would be someone who is willing to look out for me and my family and someone who I can trust. They might live next door or in the next town. The idea of being a neighbor for me is for us to support each other in times of good and bad, very much like family.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
When I think of home, I think of LOVE, LAUGHTER and TOGETHERNESS
