Hometown: Garland
Present City: Garland
Education: B.S. in education and M.S. in speech-language pathology, Baylor University
Profession: Speech-language pathologist first and then administrator for preschool programs. After early retirement in 2014, my second career has been as a self-employed consultant and grant writer.
Tell us about your family.
I met my husband, Jeff, at Wilshire, and we married in 2011. I’m an only child, and my mother, at 102, lives alone but nearby. Cousins and their families from Mom’s side of the family have a monthly Zoom gathering. When I married Jeff, I gained a wonderful larger family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families.
Any favorite hobbies?
Playing the flute; watching Baylor football (and sometimes saying “Well, maybe next year…”); baking — because Wilshire member Steve Conner built our house, we have a great kitchen!; gardening.
What are your favorite places to travel?
We enjoy hiking in national parks and state parks. We loved our trip to Canada with the Wilshire Adventurers a few years ago. In 2014, we went to Paris and Normandy with Jeff’s parents, his brother, R.W., and R.W.’s wife, Lisa, as part of Jeff’s father’s 80th birthday celebration.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I came to Wilshire in November 1983 because of the strong single adult ministry and our amazing worship services.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I’m a deacon, teach Pre-K Sunday School and choir, play in Wilshire Winds and help plan One Starry Night. I was in Sanctuary Choir for many years and have served on a variety of search committees, most recently the Minister of Music Search Committee that brought Ariel Merivil to us. I also served on lay support teams for three pastoral residents.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
God continually reminds me I have much to learn in my journey of faith. I’m currently helping with Wilshire’s implementation of the Godly Play curriculum in the preschool area. Familiar Bible stories come alive for me as I’m memorizing the content, practicing with the teaching props and learning to tell these stories in new ways. At the end of each Godly Play lesson, our discussion with the children includes: “I wonder what part of the story you liked best. I wonder what part of the story was the most important. I wonder what part of the story is about you or is just for you.” As I hear the children’s responses, I’m inspired by their understanding, and that motivates me to keep learning and growing in my faith.