Roots & Wings

I was born a Wolverine and raised a Buckeye.  I’m the youngest of two, but with a sizable age gap between my sister and I- I have a lot of first-born traits.  I tend to be strong-willed, opinionated, and competitive.  Said a bit differently, I’m passionate and I like a challenge.

Growing up, I didn’t aspire for a career but I knew that I wanted to make a difference.   Mid-college, I married Dave- who I’ve known since I was 8 and loved since I was 18. After college, I worked as a child protection social worker and then went on to earn my MSW.  A few years and two fabulous children later (Silas & Ellie)- our family of 4 moved to South Africa, where we live today.  My husband is finishing up a PhD and I’m serving as the Director of Thrive Africa.

My adult life has never really looked “normal”.  During the first decade of my marriage- I moved 5 times between 3 states and 2 countries.  I’ll admit that part of me craves the veneer of stability that a mortgage and a “home town” would provide.  But my path has just been different.  I’m tempted to describe my life as spontaneous road trip without a map… but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is that my life has been a crazy but beautiful adventure that centers on my relationship with God.  I’m rooted in Him, and I go where He sends me.

Some random tidbits… I love photography, music, reading, being outside, and singing loud in the car. I love most things chocolate and all things coffee.  Classic Coke is my all-time favorite indulgence, with stove-popped popcorn a close (but more frequently consumed) second.  I have a thing for tattoos and I like to dance when I’m alone.