I love stories. Stories help us understand who we are and remember where we have come from. They have the power to shape and influence who we will become. I share stories through my work. Stories can come from unexpected places, and require active listening to fully appreciate them. In the IVF lab where I was an embryologist, the embryos were each vessels of greater hope and joy than was seen in their tiny form. At the community college where I've taught during times of extensive lay-offs, the non-traditional students were also vessels; but their journey also included fear and courage. At the medical device company where I've helped couples trying to conceive, the stories were widely varied but always emotional. At the historical preservation non-profit I work with, the stories are of migrations of people; following hopes, dreams, and livelihood through the inspiring setting of a National Lakeshore. In career services, I've meet people statewide who are at crossroads, hoping for new opportunities. Working with various health care partners in Michigan, I saw hope for rebirth and renewal. Now, I work with place-based stories; people who have a strong attachement to the land as home, in the beautiful northwest corner of Michigan's lower penninsula. Many of the people I have worked on behalf of have been at critical stages in their journeys; needing information, compassion, and understanding. None of the choices are easy. We all face very unique and specific challenges of vocation; trying to make decisions that will create balance and wellness. In the most recent step in my journey, I am turning outward, to the outdoors and encouraging others to do so also. This is an endless source of renewal, restoration, and balance.Communications, particularly supporting wholeness and wellness, are vital to meeting the needs today. Learning from each other’s stories, through listening and reflecting, is our strength.Specialties: Nonprofit Management and OperationsBoard ManagementProject ManagementStrategic PlanningFundraising and DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementGrant Writing and ManagementCommunications and MarketingContent Creation, Writing, and EditingRelationship ManagementMeeting and Event PlanningCollaboration with External Partners/CoalitionsPublic SpeakingFlexibility and Critical Thinking