About Me

I was born into a farming family, the oldest of three daughters. For much of my youth I was surrounded by animals - Holstein cows, horses, rabbits, and the family dog. I was active in 4-H for many years, showing in Horsemanship and Dairy. After high school it seemed natural that I would continue my education at Michigan State University as both of my parents were MSU graduates. Among my fondest undergraduate memories at MSU were attending musical events at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, studying abroad in London and Canada, and attending football and hockey games.

Following my graduation in 1990 (see image at left) with a major in French and minor in Chemistry, I spent a year working full time in a restaurant. While visiting my old high school, I met with a couple of influential teachers in my life who asked me if I'd ever considered becoming a teacher. The truth of the matter was that I had. I returned to MSU to complete my teaching certification credentials.

In the fall of 1993 I began my teaching career at St. Philip Catholic Central High School, a small parochial school in Battle Creek, Michigan. My favorite subjects to teach were Middle and High School French and 8th grade Science. Besides my classroom duties, I also took on coaching our Varsity Quiz Bowl Team and led three trips to France (1995, 1997, 1999) with my French students.

When my school downsized in 2001, I went to work for a large corporate insurance company as a claims representative. The desire to teach was still very strong, and I returned to same school where I had begun my career seven years earlier when a position for a high school science instructor became available. It's hard to believe that this year marks my 19th year in education!

Aviation

One of my passions is aviation and historic aircraft. Two of my favorite aircraft museums are the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum. As a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, I make annual trips to their international convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Amateur Radio

As a licensed Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator I've had the opportunity to talk to people around the world from my home radio station, W8AEZ.

You can view my profile at https://www.qrz.com/db/W8AEZ to learn more about my adventures in Amateur Radio!

Canine Companions

Pictured here are Bella and Beau, Australian Cattle Dogs that I adopted in 2016 through the Best Pals Animal Rescue Center in Holland, Michigan. Like my previous Blue Heeler, Bella was born deaf and I use hand and facial signals to communicate with her.

Handicrafts

I began sewing and knitting in my pre-teen years. My mother and maternal grandmother taught me to knit and crochet, and I learned to sew in 4-H. In this picture, I'm modeling a "Tom Baker/Dr. Who" scarf I designed and knit for a friend. (It took two months and a lot of patience!)

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