Hometown

• Hector, MN

Schools Attended

• Minnesota State University, Moorhead
• Minnesota State University, Mankato

Things we can talk about

I’m really open to any topics you find interesting or helpful. I often find myself talking with students about majors, careers, how to get involved and meet people, challenges or fears, and basic life stuff (landlord issues, finding a job, community resources for food, financial concerns and resources, etc.). Finally, I know that life can throw us some unexpected twists. I’ve experienced grief and loss in recent years and understand that it doesn’t always hit us the way we expected it to. I’m open to talking about some of those tough experiences as well and can even help you connect with other resources if that’s helpful.

I am available for

• Phone calls
• Email conversations
• Zoom meetings
• In-person meetings at my office or in the Student Union

Call or email me and we can find a way to connect.

Why I want to be a Maverick Firsts Advocate

I am a first generation student myself. I was fortunate to have parents who were supportive of my decision to go to college, but they did not always know how to help me make decisions because they had not gone through it themselves. I generally kept the really challenging stuff to myself because I didn’t want them to worry. I managed to find my way through to graduation, but it would have been so much easier if I had found more people to support me and help me make decisions. I want to be one of those people for students. I’ve spent the past 34 years working with TRIO to serve first generation students and I just really enjoy the conversations with students.

Other items of interest

I was really unsure about my career path and changed majors a few times. I graduated with a BS in Business Management but then went on to graduate school in a totally different field - Counseling & Student Personnel. I understand the frustration of trying to find a clear path, but I also look back and appreciate all I learned about myself along the way.

I love hiking, kayaking, tenting – pretty much anything outdoors is where I’m at whenever possible. I’m always happy to talk about some good outdoor spaces in the area. I also enjoy hearing stories about your pets as I know what an important part they play in life for many of us. My household currently has two dogs, two cats, a bearded dragon and a 75 gallon aquarium.