Hello! I am a proud Westwoodian, who enjoys chatting with interesting folks, drinking coffee all day long, and exploring new hiking trails or urban adventures. I am a mega board game geek, an Ohio State Football fanatic, and I love to laugh at stand-up. One of my passions to discovering peoples’ gifts and connecting neighbors together to make a positive impact in the community. With some creatively, perseverance and a good sense of humor, I believe people can pull together to solve problems. I have a Masters of Arts in Spiritual Formation, and I try to always be on the lookout in how God is at work in the everyday, ordinary life.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Scott, and I just celebrated our 10th year Anniversary…with a trip to romantic Cleveland, Ohio. He is a Youth Director at Highland UMC, a Sooner, and master of BBQ. Our kids are Clifford (age 6) and Lucy (age 4) and they attend Gamble Montessori.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the Executive Director of My Neighbor’s Place, a Christian Community Development Organization in Westwood. I am also the Community Outreach Director at Westwood United Methodist Church.
My Neighbor’s Place has some services like a free clothing closet, a food pantry, and support groups, but what makes it so special is the art of holy loitering. Neighbors from all different walks of life get to hang out together each week, laughing and encouraging each other. I love that when people share, there is always enough, even to the point of an overflow. I get to see small miracles everyday, from a smile to having the exact item someone needs. Westwood is an amazing place, because community organizations, churches, and neighbors collaborate together for the common good.
Westwood UMC is an outward focused congregation partnering with Interfaith Hospitality Network, Laundry Love Cincinnati, Cincinnati Urban Promise, Westwood Elementary School, and Westwood Works. What a joy it is to be in a faith community that gets to put our love into action.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Nation Westwood, Ivory House for brunch, Muse Cafe, Werkhaus Pizza, Velvet Smoke BBQ, Christine’s and Galactic Fried Chicken.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in the far, far East side of Cincinnati- Clermont County, in Tate Township, near Bethel. I lived in Lexington, Kentucky and Lancaster, PA for 10 years, before moving back to Cincinnati. We have been in Westwood since 2013.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Europe, especially the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Rome. I have never been to Europe, and want to explore the historic and cultural sites, eat, and see new beauty. I would also make a few church history nerd pit stops along the way.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the Marvel Cinematic Universe flicks and shows, Ted Lasso, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, and the Good Place.
What advice would you give to people?
Be kind, have a sense of humor, admit mistakes, say thanks, and be on the the lookout for the small miracles.
What is something on your bucket list?
Visit all 50 states, write a book, do a stand up set.
What is your go-to music when you cant decide what to listen to?
Five Iron Frenzy, Sublime, Cake, Old Crow Medicine Show, 500 Miles to Memphis, Over the Rhine
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch?
I’d like to meet with Rev. William Barber from the Poor People’s Campaign and talk about how to blend mercy with Justice. We would go wonder over to Nation if we were meeting in Westwood, and after we ate, I would challenge him to retro video games at Wondercade.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Westwood loves to hang and play together…through Second Saturdays, school gatherings, pre-covid church meals…everywhere you go feels like the Cheers theme song.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, still in Westwood at My Neighbor’s Place.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a master thumb wrestler. If it was an Olympic event, I would win the gold metal.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
New Mexico…it is truly the land of enchantments from Sante Fe, the hotsprings, mesas, mountains, and forests. The stars sparkle extra and the colors are alive.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October…for the bonfires, hiking, fall colors, hoodies, and pumpkin spice, because I am basic. Christmas is always magical.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Blink Festival and Cincy Brew Ha Ha
Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus, Dorothy Day, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, my family, and my friends
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and a campfire
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, friends, and food
