I was born in Flint, Michigan, attended the Grand Blanc Schools, graduating from Grand Blanc High School.  Following high school, I went on to study Elementary Education and graduated  from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  While at the University, I had the opportunity to live in the most beautiful dorm on campus, possibly one of the most unique women’s dorms In the country, the Martha Cook Building.  Had Martha Stewart attended U of M,  surely she would been a resident. It is considered a Historical Michigan Landmark, with lovely antique furniture, marble bathrooms, sit down dinners with waitresses & tea on Friday afternoons.  This experience would make an important impression on my life, even today.  I developed an appreciation for good food, living graciously, meaningful life long Friendships, the importance of education/etiquette/manners/health & creating beautiful surroundings.  During junior year, I participated in a study abroad program through U of M in London, England, an experience that also left a big impression in my life.

Cooking and baking part of my weekly routine.

After graduation, I worked in the Flint Community Schools as a teacher in the Gifted Program, married a Grand Blanc High School classmate & went on to have three children.  They too have all graduated from Grand Blanc High School.  My husband, Brad & I continue to live in Grand Blanc where he works along with his brother at Drs. Burau in Grand Blanc & Downtown Dental in Fenton. Our daughter, Sasha & her husband, Dan & son Alex all work with them.  Sasha and Dan welcomed their first child & our first grandchild, Stella, into the world in September of 2019.  Alex is married to MSU Field Hockey Captain, Amanda Robinson & our youngest son, Zach, lives in Dallas & has his own company, Flyline.

A blog post from earlier this year.

I enjoy teaching enrichment classes in our home.  In addition to teaching in the classroom, parenting classes at Faith Lutheran Church, I teach/have taught Pilates, Yoga & Ballet at Ascension Genesys Health Club.  In September 2020 I will be launching my book, “It’s a Great Day To...Gather Around a Table.”

Learning is a life long skill to me.  I take seriously my place in life as a teacher, mentor & role model.   Every step of what I do is exciting to me, from the planning/ organizing/menus, coming up with party favors, the actual execution of the idea & teaching & most importantly, seeing the excitement in someone’s eyes when they learn something new or a new interest is sparked.  That to me is...a Great Day 🌼