Executive Director, Coordinator
Driven by a lifelong commitment to compassion and service, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals across the lifespan—especially those facing disability, illness, or socioeconomic barriers. Inspired early by my mother’s example of caring for elderly neighbors in our Bay City community, I grew up believing that faith, prayer, kindness, respect, and advocacy were not optional-but essential.
As a teenager, I naturally gravitated toward peers with unique challenges: walking March of Dimes fundraisers with David, accompanying Bonnie—fearless and blind—to the deep end of the pool, despite my fear of water, and learning sign language to communicate with my friend Deborah. These experiences shaped my early intention to become a Special Education teacher, but life’s realities in the 1970s led me down a different, yet deeply aligned, path.
Throughout college and beyond, I worked in environments centered on care and dignity, including an Internal Medicine practice specializing in elder care, Saginaw General Hospital or managing group homes as the government closed sanitariums and various mental health offices. Often working 2-3 jobs at a time. It was necessary.
Since 1993, I have supported terminally ill patients and their families, coordinating hospice and end‑of‑life services with empathy and steadiness. I will be ever thankful and will never forget the life changing relationships with those Elders in my life. Who taught me making a difference ~makes all the difference.
I earned a BBA to open other professional doors and went on to build a diverse portfolio of certifications and expertise. One of my most meaningful roles was serving as a Youth Program Specialist with TBAISD, where I worked along- side of a very unique team to uplift students. Through creative and “making magic happen ” motto I supported navigating complex educational -socioeconomic challenges and dispelling barriers. Some students became published authors through the UofM Bear River Writing Conference connections from 2000-2010. Where deep friendships formed-linger still.
It was very fulfilling teaching work- life skills to students on Beaver Island and throughout the 19 Counties in NW MI visiting every school developing programs such as “Diploma Recovery” and facilitating curriculum development. Making presentations at the State of Michigan Educators, Superintendents and professional counselors conferences sharing insight to this population of forgotten students “lost through the cracks” was gratifying.
Through decreased funding and budget cuts I entered a term of working as Operations Manager of a $18 million well known national retail company with over 300 employees during the heyday. I told many of my friends I “sold out to the man”. It was meaningful work-even still human services dealing with the day to day people “stuff”. However, having Full Profit & Loss responsibilities with things I could not control left me frustrated and longing to be back pursing more meaningful aspirations. Sure, I spun a lot of plates in the air, and did it well, but I was destined for higher ground.
In 2016, I completed an intensive 20‑week federal training program that pulled every string of my work-life-portfolio-to graduate as a Social Security Disability Adjudicator for adults and children—a role that required both analytical medical knowledge & rigor combined with deep humanity.
Shortly thereafter- I received custody of my grandson with special needs. (My greatest calling & blessing.) Then a case of Covid‑19 had carried me to the edge of two worlds and back again. And facilitated retirement.
This is the chapter I am living now: honoring the life I have. Across every role and every season, my purpose has remained constant: to fearlessly stand beside those who need support, to advocate for dignity and quality of life, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. There is no other way to proceed. My life has come full circle. Thank you, mom!