I am the current Executive Director of the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation which is a 501c3 Non-profit offering administrative and financial support to active youth recreation organizations. I had the opportunity to grow up through AWYF participating in several activities, but did not understand the value of it until I left and experienced other communities. Throughout college and my first career choice of Athletic Training at local high schools, I witnessed the differences first hand of those that grew up with youth activities and those that did not. When the opportunity to join AWYF was presented, I had a hard time saying no. I have been in this position for 2 years now and still love seeing the positive impact we can make for our community.
My husband and I are proud to call this our home and can’t wait to share this wonderful place with our daughter, Charleigh.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to help provide positive active programs to the youth within our community and finding new ways to get more kids involved instead of sitting at home staring at a screen. My favorite moment is to walk through our fields during a practice night and see all of the smiling faces doing the things they love.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Michelle Dalton in Perrsyburg. She is an incredible woman who has helped many people find strength in themselves by being a ray of encouragement no matter what stage of life they are in.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
New Zealand. I played rugby for 8 years and dream of watching the NZ All Blacks team play in their home stadium. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia in college and fell in love with the landscape and culture there. I have always been told if I loved Australia, I will love New Zealand even more.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do it with passion or not at all.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to travel to the Netherlands when the tulip fields are in full bloom.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet Chuck Lorre, the writer/director/producer of The Big Bang Theory. He has worked with so many people in different capacities and created some incredible story lines. To sit and hear how he thinks and writes would be awesome. We would definitely have our meal at Inside the Five!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the car show on Friday Nights during the summer in Perrsyburg. I never understood the “cool” thing about cars until I met my husband. Watching his joy and appreciation for them has helped me to understand the beauty and history behind them. I may not understand the difference between them all, but I still love seeing them all.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Fajones from Cocina de Carlos.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mother
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Unconditional support and love, Exactly Where I want to be
