Telling someone I've never met about myself is a very difficult task.  After I finish this page, I'll probably have to go into therapy for awhile!

I grew up in the area, attended small schools, went away to Western Michigan University, then decided to return here to work.  Initially I wanted to teacher overseas but when an offer came to begin my career in Florence, Italy I was just too intimidated.  Having since been to Florence, who knows if I did the right thing!

Education  was really the only career I ever seriously considered; though until I was eight I thought being an archeologist had a certain appeal.  Then I saw The Mummy on television and that ended my idea of digging in the dirt.

When I started teaching in an ungraded elementary school program in Benton Harbor all those years ago, I was young and naive. Well, I'm not so young anymore (as the gray hair I'm getting will demonstrate); but my level of naivety is still in question.

Before coming to McCord as the program coordinator for the new junior high magnet program, I had no idea what to expect. I'd spent my teaching career at the elementary level, then moved into a consultant position with the district's staff development program.  My prior knowledge of the junior high mind was limited.  All I'd heard were those "stories." You know the ones - junior high, a vast waste land - the forgotten folks - the kids with the raging hormones. There wasn't a great deal of positive press about the place, so when I told my friends I'd accepted a job at the junior high, they felt I'd gone over the edge.

They were wrong, I've found an age group who are unique - and a staff equally so. Over the years we've developed into a close knit group, the McCord Renaissance family. You may leave us, go on to other schools, take new positions, but you will always be part of this ever growing and proud family.

Away from school, my interests are varied and delightfully diverse. I believe whole-heartily in volunteerism and have spent many years working with a host of worthwhile groups ranging from Hospice to a sexual-assault unit, as well as many others in between. Currently, I  volunteer at the Mendel Center Main Stage with McCord Renaissance students.  As an avid reader, books are a passion with me.  One of my favorite rewards for a job well done is to spend several hours roaming around in a good bookstore. Spending time with family and friends, listening to stories, traveling, genealogy, antiques, keeping up with former McCord students, and being creative are also enjoyable. There's so much for me to learn and never enough time.

This page will soon disappear from the website as I have decided to end my career with the Benton Harbor Area Schools.  It has been a unique and rewarding experience.  I wish the entire Benton Harbor Area Schools Family well.