Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful husband who I’ve been with for 11 years (married for 6), our first “child” Lyla the dog who is 5 years old and our miracle IVF baby William who is 8 months old.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I teach Biology at Centennial High School and have for the past 11 years. I love most making relationships with the students. They are such amazing people that society tends to overlook and I love everything that they teach me every day.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Kohinoor, Sun Singer, Industrial Donut, Jupiters at the Crossing

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I started my undergrad at U of I in 2006 and never left. (Graduated and became a “real” person in 2011).

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of the hall monitors at school, Mr. Gilbert. He is a pastor and is just the most amazingly positive influence on students and staff! I love working with him as he always puts a smile on my face.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bora Bora or one of those places with the guys that are over the ocean. It seems like it would be an amazing retreat away from reality.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is Elf. TV shows, I love reality tv and cooking shows most of all.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t let your circumstances define you.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Open a bakery or cake decorating business.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Country.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Brother’s, because that’s where I met my husband

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Jane Goodall because I think she’s fascinating. I’d probably meet her for lunch at Sun Singer where the food is good and it’s a little quieter.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the downtown area and how bustling it is!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still here and either still teaching at Centennial or in a different industry all together.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Camp Arcadia, Michigan.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is January because of my birthday. Favorite holiday and best day on the calendar is Thanksgiving because there’s nothing better than setting a day aside to enjoy family and food.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Brownies and fresh laundry.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, family, comfort.