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: Our family lives in Evansville, IN. Mark and I have been married for 14 years. We have three children – Wyatt Paul (11), Eli Thomas (9) and Evelyn Nichole (7). I joined the DE team in the Spring of 2020 (during COVID-19). Prior to DE, I was a high school Theology and Social Studies teacher, Catholic Campus minister at the University of Evansville and a Girls Golf Coach.
Q: What do you love most about working at DE?
A: Every day, I get to live out my faith. This job helps me prioritize prayer, family time and work. I love the work-life balance of being a publisher. Also, I really value the relationships I have made. Some business meetings turn into encounters and friendships. I have even met people who eventually enter into OCIA (formerly RCIA). Being able to be the hands and feet of Christ is priceless.
Q: What are some of your favorite pastimes?
A: I really enjoy golf and spending time with the kids. I also enjoy reading and taking walks on a daily basis. Our kids are into everything – Wyatt loves baseball, Eli is getting into golf and Evie loves gymnastics. It is so fun watching them grow up! We are all outdoorsmen/women and enjoy fishing, hunting (mostly the boys) and taking care of our chickens. We are currently working on learning how to fish from kayaks for an upcoming trip to Michigan.
Q: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
A: Wyoming. I spent a summer in Cody, Wyoming. I had an internship after college, helping a curator write a book about Native Americans. I spent most of my free time in Yellowstone and I really fell in love with the place. We have also taken two trips to Yellowstone, each time encountering so many new things!
Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: General Tso’s Chicken. I try it at almost every Chinese restaurant I go to. We have the best here in Evansville if you ever visit!
Q: Do you have a favorite prayer or devotion?
A: I have a special devotion to St. John Henry Newman and St. Luke. St. John Henry Newman homilies and devotionals are probably my favorite. His wisdom and faith inspire me. He is a convert to Catholicism, and I was lucky enough to attend his canonization. His prayer – The Mission of my Life – has guided me through some difficult times, and is a daily ‘go-to’ prayer for me.
Q: What advice would you give to someone new in the business?
Q: Be Grateful and trust the process. You are working for a top-notch National company that cares about YOU. Everyone on the team is looking to help one another. That is hard to find. Whether you are cruising after some sales or in a slump, this team of experts has ‘ridden the waves’ of the publishing business, and will help you succeed using their resources and guidance. There will be waves of sales and waves of disappointing gate-keepers. Don’t quit working when the waves are drowning you and don’t quit working when you’re riding the waves with a smile on your face. My favorite phrase in this job is Ora Et Labora. Pray and Work.