Q: First, tell us a little about yourself–where you live, your family, how long you’ve been at DE, and what you did before coming here.
A: My husband Bob and I live in New Lenox, a town about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. I moved here in 1968 when there were 1800 people in the village. Today, there are 28,000. Luckily, it still has a small-town feel. We have five adult children; all of them are still in the area which makes for frequent, impromptu gatherings at our place. We also have five grandkids. We spend a lot of time with the grandkids – there is nothing like it!
I started at DE in December of 2018 as the publisher of New Lenox Catholics. In September of 2020 I came onboard with the home office team. I work in Market Support – helping manage the in-house magazines. In the last year, I have been working as a Production Coordinator with the Parish Model Magazines. I love working with the parishes to evangelize their parishioners and other local Catholics. I also help out with Accounts Receivable at DE.
Before I worked at DE, I was a high school English teacher, a homebound teacher for the local public high school, and a career counselor. But my favorite position has always been being a mom!
Q: What do you love most about working at DE?
A: I love that my daily work is really all about sharing our faith in Jesus Christ. I also must add that I love working alongside so many faith-filled, fun, young people at DE!
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: I recently read Essays on Woman. This is a collection on the writings of Edith Stein (aka St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). In it, St. Teresa reflects on the numerous (and rich) roles of women in all walks of life. Having been raised by a very strong, independent mom, (back when that was a bit unusual for women), who also submitted to the loving direction of my dad, I have always been fascinated by the question of what it means to be a woman, a wife, a mother, and daughter of the King. This book probes deeply into many of those roles.
Q: Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
A: Hands down…my husband Bob! He is my greatest treasure. We are so very blessed! (I pray the Good Lord blesses us with many more years together and that He also showers down abundant grace upon us so that we can love each other well to the very end!)
Q: If you could go anywhere for a 10 day vacation, where would you go?
A: I want to visit Lourdes. A couple of my kids have been there, and they were amazed by the faith of the pilgrims. I want to experience that kind of a display of faith. I also seek to be healed of anything that keeps me from being free, and I know that if and when I go to Lourdes, I will be blessed!
Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A: My favorite hobby would have to be hanging out with the grandkids. We like to sing and dance, and the kids do gymnastics tricks which I have taught them. (I know it is a scary notion to envision me demonstrating some of the moves, but what the heck? It’s fun!) Nothing like gym class in the living room!
Q: What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?
A: I am looking forward to the end of tuition payments! Our youngest is in her senior year of college. “I think I can…I think I can…I think I can!”