Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Harrisonburg?

I grew up in Rockingham County just north of Harrisonburg (went to Broadway High School), lived in Page County for 25 years, and moved to Harrisonburg in 2001. I worked at JMU for over 38 years, so Harrisonburg has always felt like home to me. I love living in a university town and I love living close to Muhlenberg!

How does your faith happen in your daily life?

I start my day with coffee, prayer, and devotional reading or Bible study. It's my quiet time just with me and God! My prayer is to be open to the needs of others and to fulfill God's purpose in at least some small way each day. 

What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I have a geriatric rabbit as a pet - she's at least 10 years old!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

I love visiting with people and hearing their stories whenever they're willing to share. And I love giving home communion - that's a holy place, a holy encounter where we feel the presence of God. 

Ask me about:

Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (I used to teach a series on this for JMU's department of Talent & Development)

My favorite word in the English language is:

God's love. (OK, that's two words, but I couldn't resist!)

If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve:

A Giving Day - a day when people everywhere give of their time, talent, and/or resources to their favorite organizations or individuals they see who need that love and care. In the book "The Hobbit," birthdays are celebrated by giving gifts to others - family and friends - rather than receiving gifts. I always thought that was an awesome idea.  

If we held a talent show, I’d wow everyone with:

Singing talent - well, I don't know if I'd exactly "wow" everyone, but hopefully they wouldn't put their hands over their ears!