Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you live, about your family, what you did before DE?
A: I live in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin with my husband Jay, daughter Rayna, son Reverdy, and our dog Mia. I lived in the DC area for a decade and worked for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Brought Jay (a Southern Maryland guy) back to Wisconsin with me and I am happy to be “home” near my extended family.
Q: How long have you been with DE and what brought you here?
A: I did design work for two years as an independent contractor with three magazines before coming on full time in January 2023. The timing was perfect. I remember sitting in a conference room with the communications staff at the USCCB General Assembly, praying that it would be my last time attending. We were expected to return to work, and my family had just moved back to Wisconsin, so my time was limited there. I got a call from Paul that day asking if I was still interested in potentially becoming a full-time employee at the home office. I keep in touch with many former colleagues, but I feel more at home in Wisconsin (probably because it’s my literal home).
Q: Who is your favorite saint and why?
A: Carlo Acutis! He brought me closer to Jesus through the Eucharist. I was a fallen-away Catholic until I started with DE, and after seeing the traveling Eucharistic Miracles exhibit that Carlo compiled, I became much more devoted to my faith. He was also very present during my last pregnancy.
Q: What is your favorite book/what are you currently reading?
A: I’m actually writing a book right now—a novel based on our recent NICU experience away from home. I’m planning to publish it myself by early next year. The title is Room 6, as my son spent the first 14 weeks of his life within the walls of Room 6. I hope to inspire others through our journey of faith and hope. My favorite book of all time is Anne of Green Gables.
Q: What is the most unique thing you have ever had to eat?
A: Haggis, and it’s unique because I loved it. My family also eats a sandwich of toasted raisin bread with mayo, liver sausage, and pickles on it which I’m told is… unique.
Q: What is a hobby you enjoy?
A: I love playing piano!
Q: What is your favorite title of Mary?
A: Our Lady Star of the Sea. I’ve always felt called to the ocean (even though I live in silly Wisconsin).
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
A: I was in an a cappella group called “Supreme Chord” and I learned some basic beat boxing for one of the songs that we performed at the Kennedy Center.
Q: If you could have any pet in the world, what pet would you have and what would you name it?
A: If I didn’t have to clean the tank, I’d have jellyfish or seahorses in a giant cylindrical tank like they have at aquariums. One of them would definitely be named Tertullian.
Q: What do you love most about DE?
A: The people! I love seeing the great and fruitful work that everyone is doing throughout the country. I cheer for everyone I see in Back Office on their way to print. And home office staff—these are my people.