I choose to be involved in Start Talking Grandview because I am motivated to help our community realize the impact of substance misuse, and rise above stigma to understand the disease of addiction. As a health care provider, I have served individuals actively using drugs and as an advocate for access to health services.  Through these experiences, I have come to see first hand that no community, family, or person is immune to the impact of substance misuse.  Engaged with Start Talking Grandview since 2015, I work to bring forward current research based education, resources for support, and generalized awareness to model safe and healthy behaviors. 

My husband Bob and I have lived in Grandview for the past 30 years and  raised our four boys in Grandview. While raising our family and working  part time as an accounting clerk/office assistant for the United States Trotting Association, I served on the RLS, Edison Intermediate and High school PTO's and other volunteer positions in the schools.  I plan to apply the hands on skills I have developed over the past 30 years to collaboratively work with my fellow board members to develop initiatives that further enhance the mission of Start Talking Grandview.  I have a heart for the Grandview Community and for the mission of Start Talking Grandview. 

As a parent of two students who graduated from Grandview Heights City Schools, as well as the parent of a current fourth-grader, I obviously have a vested interest in our schools and our community and the types of information that my sons and others receive here. I also have 11+ years of recovery, so I am keenly aware of the temptations and risks students face with substance use and abuse. I’ve gone down paths that I don’t want my sons or others to take. Our job as adults in general is to guide those in our schools/community so they’re equipped with information and insight that will guide their decision-making in their formative years. Where substance use and abuse is concerned, it is even more critical that we exercise great rigor in that guidance and education. While we cannot guarantee students will always make the best decisions, we would be doing them a great disservice if we don’t guide them with candor and transparency. Prevention and education are inexpensive tools for preventing substance abuse. I’m living proof that people do recover, and I can be a resource for others as we all navigate this situation together,

As an educator of 30 years, I have seen first hand students struggling to fit in, find purpose and confidence. With increasing availability and culturally accepted use of substances for a variety of reasons and increasing need for quality mental health and wellness services, I believe the mission of STG is vital to support all generations. My husband and I have lived in Grandview since 2013 and have one graduate and one soon to graduate. Raising kids has been enjoyable and at times difficult. For us, having a strong faith and surrounding ourselves with friends we can confide has been crucial to raising our kids through the young adult years. Problems still happen, but a support system can mean all the difference when navigating challenges. STG engages the community in conversation about difficult topics that affect all of us and seeks to provide education and support for families. For these reasons I see STG as one valuable avenue people can use to build or widen their support system if they choose. No one should have to face challenges alone. I’m honored to serve the community through my involvement with an organization that educates and connects people in this way.