I started my teaching career at Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin. I went on to teach at the post-secondary level for the next thirteen years before being named the first Director of Technology for the Collinsville Community Unit School District. I was promoted to an Assistant Superintendent for the district and served in that role for five years before being named Superintendent for the Smithton Community Consolidated School District in 2013. I had signed a 4-year contract extension with the district when fate and an amazing professional opportunity came knocking in the form of the Illinois Principals Association's Deputy Director for Professional Development position!

I am originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and still have a great deal of family living in Southeastern Wisconsin. My husband, Dan, and I were married in 1983 and have two sons, William and Bradley, and one granddaughter. We love the Green Bay Packers, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the St. Louis Cardinals!

I consider myself a student of leadership theory and systems change. More importantly, I am an optimist who believes that lives are truly touched, and the future changed, by extraordinary educators.