In March 2022 I resigned from my three year tenure as the Executive Director of the Otsego County United Way. After guiding the organization through the pandemic, the yearning to nurture a work-life balance for my three kiddos and partner became a priority. While finishing my time at the United Way, an EF-3 tornado struck Gaylord May 20. United Way was one of the leading agencies helping tornado survivors and I was gleaning vital information on disaster recovery. To foster capacity when responding to the aftermath of the tornado, the Otsego Community Foundation proposed I be the Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the Gaylord Long Term Recovery Group. This contract offered me personal flexibility and the gift to serve a beloved town that experienced an unthinkable tragedy. The path leading to this work included studies in criminal justices, a master’s in public administration, and a 500-hour registered yoga teacher certificate. My husband's career allowed us to plant roots in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Our travels offered meaningful experiences as an AmeriCorps*VISTA and project coordinator; administrator at a YWCA; and a community development manager at a food pantry. For 20+ years I have been dedicated to working, volunteering, and offering support to the vulnerable. As a nonprofit professional and yoga instructor I honor the bittersweetness of life. I believe understanding there is great suffering, but also great joy in life helps me connect with the community and authentically hold space for people. My universal wish is for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am devoted to cultivating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive Otsego County. Whether that is through creating grant opportunities to encourage diversity in schools, helping a nonprofit build inclusive policies and procedures, or organizing a training that plants seeds of tolerance and love.