I knew I always wanted to be a teacher and follow in my dad’s footsteps. I also knew I wanted to teach in a big city. When I visited Chicago, I fell in love with the city! Since moving to Chicago, I’ve been in education as a teacher, dean of students, school principal and now the CEO of a non-profit public school network. I love my students and the work I do for families every single day. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, seeing shows and concerts, spending time with friends and family and most importantly being together with Mike and our awesome dog.

My parents, Ann and Pierce, have been married almost 60 years and have been a guiding light for me and my entire family. They are truly the best role models. They exemplify love, tradition, and “family first.” They have overcome adversity, celebrated each other a ton and still to this day, remain incredibly loyal and supportive of one another and all of us. I experienced all of my siblings fall in love, get married and start their families – giving me lots of nieces and nephews – 33 to be exact!  I have incredible memories with my parents traveling all over and spending lots of time at our family beach house. My family gathers for almost every holiday with lots of kids, and it has truly been a joy watching my nieces and nephews grow into such incredible people.