What I do: Executive director, Independent Schools of St. Louis, a nonprofit professional association that includes 45 independently governed elementary and secondary schools. We promote the value of independent schools, and support collaboration among members and professional development for staff and trustees.
Why I do it: It’s gratifying to work with talented, dedicated people who are passionate about independent education.
What I bring to the party: I’m creative, always looking for new opportunities and synthesizing new ideas, and I’m a good listener.
Family: My husband Robert and I have two daughters, Abbie, 15, and Haley, 12.
Education: I attended Mary Institute, and then received a B.S. from Boston University.
In high school: I was imaginative, friendly and a leader (class president in eighth and 11th grades).
First job: Camp counselor.
Career path: I wanted to be an actress. As I got older, having a family became my first priority, but I followed a rewarding career path in arts administration
and education, including a stint as director of education for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
Just finished reading: All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood, by Jennifer Senior.
Favorite movie: I have so many, including The Sound of Music, Shawshank Redemption, Finding Nemo and Kramer vs. Kramer.
What I like most about St. Louis: Being close to family, the cost of living, the schools, and the many arts opportunities, including Stages, Jazz St. Louis,
Repertory Theatre, Opera Theatre, the Fox, St. Louis Symphony, The Muny and more.
What I like least about St. Louis: Extreme temperatures on both ends.
My hero: Author/artist Maurice Sendak, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing. He was insightful, inspiring and an amazing artist.
Greatest challenge, so far: Losing my father.
Best advice I ever got: My father always said, “You don’t get something for nothing.”
Best Advice I ever gave: Take it one day at a time.
Motto: Don’t ask why. Ask why not.
Favorite Vacation Escape: Italy.
How I unwind: I spend time with my family and go for walks with Otto, our French bulldog.
Favorite local restaurants: Five Bistro and Annie Gunn’s.
If I ruled the world: Chocolate would be the base of the food pyramid.
Goals: To never stop learning, and to look back without regrets.
