1. When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
When I was very young, I wanted so badly to be Dr. Doolittle when I grew up. The veterinary medicine part was optional; I mostly wanted to make a living communicating with animals. Then, when I was around six years old until about 18, I dreamt of being a horse trainer, specifically Saddlebred and Arabian horses. If you want to see what work ethic looks like, just visit a horse farm! I have a great deal of respect for everyone in the industry.
2. What skill would you most like to learn?
I would love to play tennis! The closer I get to age 40, I think about all the things I would do “later.” Well, I’m starting to realize my body doesn’t quite move or heal as it used to, so I feel very motivated to not take my next 40 years of activity for granted.
3. What is your favorite family tradition?
Growing up on Lake Fenton, the 4th of July brought family and friends together for fun that translated to all phases of life. Through my childhood, the combination of water, fireworks and jovial adults was simply magical. As a teenager and into my undergrad and grad school years, July Fourth on the lake seemed to be the catalyst for a reunion with friends and family who were gathered back in town for the holiday. Once I started my own family, it took on a new, even more special type of magic. I find myself with many of the same friends ensuring a magical time for our children and developing a deeper respect for our parents who put all the work in behind the scenes. As a kid, I felt bad that the adults didn’t have as much fun as we did and now, I know: The adults were having *just* as much fun, if not more!
4. What is your ultimate comfort food?
This is the toughest question of all! However, if I have to choose one, it would be an Indian dessert called seero that is made with semolina flour, sugar, spices and butter or ghee. It just melts in your mouth and absolutely should come with a “warning” label – it’s so delicious.
5. Do you collect anything?
At this point, it may be accurate to consider my dogs a collection. They include Raji, a mini Aussiedoodle who is just a gentle sweet soul; Luna, a Standard Poodle who turns one year old this summer and has a heart of gold (which helps to offset her clumsiness and love of counter-surfing): then, the newest addition is a toy Maltipoo puppy named Prince Ozzy. We are still learning his personality but he is so affectionate and playful! It’s safe to say my collection is complete and I look forward to many years with my current “pack.”
6. What does your average weekend look like?
I’d like to claim that my weekends are robust and adventurous, but I typically attend a couple community events, host a few kids, swim in the summer or ski in the winter, and spend time with my daughter Kennedy and our three dogs.
7. What is the best thing about your role with the Hurley Foundation?
Hands down, the best thing about my role are the people – some of the best, most caring folks around. The people who make our work possible are all incredible. Everyone from a major Community Partner to a kiddo who is proud as punch to donate the proceeds from their lemonade stand. Hurley Medical Center is an essential safety net hospital, the furthest north Level I Trauma Center and the region’s only pediatric acute care facility – there are ample existing and emerging needs. The members of the community, hospital and Foundation all do their part in ensuring Hurley can continue to provide clinical excellence to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. The people are our heartbeat; those seeking and providing care are the most critical of all. I couldn’t be more honored than to represent the Hurley Foundation and lead its incredible team.
