And now for the longer story...

First, there was opportunity.

I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where I learned early that education could change the trajectory of a life. As a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to receive scholarships to attend Toledo Central Catholic High School and later Xavier University. Those opportunities opened doors I never took for granted, and they continue to shape how I think about access, belonging, and helping others recognize their own potential.
 

Then came service.

The summer before my senior year at Xavier, I was selected for the university's Summer Service Internship Program, an immersive experience that places students with nonprofit organizations serving communities across Cincinnati. I was matched with Tender Mercies, a nonprofit that provides permanent supportive housing and comprehensive services for adults experiencing chronic homelessness while living with serious mental illness. What began as a summer internship quickly became something much more. I continued working there throughout my senior year and, after graduating, accepted a full-time position as Volunteer Services Manager.

It was an incredible first job. I recruited and trained volunteers, coordinated community partnerships, organized service initiatives, and worked alongside residents every day. More importantly, I learned lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career: that communication starts with listening, relationships matter more than assumptions, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Looking back, Tender Mercies taught me as much about leadership as it did about service.

Then, I found enrollment.
 

What started as an admissions position eventually became a career spanning colleges, universities, and independent schools. Over the past two decades, I've helped thousands of students and families navigate one of the most important decisions they'll ever make. Along the way, I've worn plenty of hats: recruiter, admissions leader, marketing strategist, event planner, communicator, student advisor, DEIB leader, facilitator, and project manager. The common thread has always been communication. Whether I'm interviewing prospective students, planning recruitment events, writing content, leading collaborative initiatives, or developing enrollment strategy, I love bringing people together around a shared purpose. I believe communication is sharing information but also building trust and helping people feel confident enough to take the next step.

Then, I rediscovered my creative side.
 

While working on my master's degree in communication at Ohio University, I found myself falling in love with storytelling all over again. Podcasting, video production, motion graphics, and digital media reminded me why I chose to major in communication in undergrad. Every project in the MA program challenged me to think differently about how stories are told and how they help people connect.

Today, I continue to serve as an enrollment leader at the high school level, but my work extends beyond admissions. I'm passionate about leadership, organizational communication, digital storytelling, and building communities where people can flourish.
 

Outside of work, you'll usually find me at a track meet with Cleveland Express Track Club, where my family spends much of the summer coaching, volunteering, and cheering on young athletes, to include my three children.