After high school, I began my post secondary journey at the University of Richmond in Virginia, where I majored in English and secondary education. I earned my Masters at DePaul University in Human Services and Counseling.

I previously taught English in Boston, Massachusetts before moving to Chicago. My friends always ask me why I moved here - I have my parents to thank for this transition. They wanted me to take some time for myself and explore other places. My sister was working in Chicago, so I applied for a teaching job. As luck would have it, I was offered a few interviews and the rest is history. I love the city and everything it has to offer. But most importantly, I love the people.

I taught at a middle school in Darien before moving to the high school level, where I was a teacher and then moved on to be school counselor/post-secondary counselor at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette.

I love to read - recommendations are always welcomed. Right now I am reading “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain. Ever since watching “The Bear,” one of my favorite shows, I have been interested in what happens behind the scenes in the restaurant industry.

Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family. I have three daughters, so spending time with them means the world to me. We are all avid runners (though I can’t keep up with them anymore) so when we are together, we like to take a family run (or in my case, run/walk) and then have a big breakfast.

I grew up in upstate New York, surrounded by the Adirondack mountains. It was a great place to grow up. In high school, I was on the diving team and Alpine ski team. However, my diving career was cut short when I hit my head on the board during a meet. It was not a pretty sight. I then turned to Alpine racing on my high school’s ski team (my parents did not think this was the safer option). This was the sport I loved and continued throughout high school.

I am very happy to be a Friar. The faculty and families that I have met truly demonstrate the importance of community. When I began my career,  it was important to me to work with professionals in providing a positive atmosphere where the faculty meets students where they are and helps them grow into leaders.

I feel our profession has faced many challenges over the years;  but the one key trait that I see within the Fenwick faculty is the support they provide for the students. Between moderating clubs, coaching athletics and teaching the skills students need to succeed, the Fenwick faculty truly cares.

As a college counselor, strong communication and listening skills are important. The college admission process has undergone many changes throughout the past five years. There are about 4,000 colleges in the United States with excellent programs.

I feel that Ms. [Emily] Anderson and I do an excellent job in communicating the steps of how to manage the application process. Through our junior college class, parent meetings, college fairs, financial aid workshops and meetings with college representatives, we are constantly learning new information to help families navigate the college landscape without the stress.