Family: Husband, Jamie, THS principal; daughter, Cara, KU sophomore majoring in elementary education; and son Jeremy, THS junior involved in football, basketball and track.

Place of birth: Clarksburg, W. Va.

Q: When did you move to Tonganoxie, and what brought you here?

A: We moved to Tonganoxie in 2007 from Baxter Springs. Jamie was interested in moving to a larger school and we wanted to find one with an outstanding sports program so Jeremy could have more athletic opportunities. We sure succeeded.

Q: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

A: Moving to Columbia, S.C., for graduate school. I was moving 500 miles from home, alone, to a place where I didn’t know anyone. It was exciting and terrifying, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A: My grandmother, a golfer, always told me to keep my head down and follow through. That seems to work in a wide variety of situations. Also, a few years ago I was fretting over something (I can’t even remember what now), and a friend listened to my whining for a while, then said, “You obviously haven’t learned to leave your problems at church.” Although I’m a worrier by nature, I’ve learned to take a deep breath and mentally drop my issues into God’s hands. There’s something very liberating about making that decision.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Veterinarian. Still love critters, but I don’t think I’m suited for the demands of that profession.

Q: What is your ideal vacation spot?

A: It would have to be by a golf course so Jamie could play golf and by a beach so the kids could body surf and swim, and have one or two great steak and seafood restaurants for me.

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