I have been blessed in many ways.  To have energy and good health.  To have family and friends that love me.  And, to have had success and many “acts” in my work life. 

 

For 27 years I worked for Illinois Power Company, from front-line customer service to VP of Customer Service; then for a decade as an international business consultant; and until my retirement a few years ago as the leader of a not for profit, as the Executive Director of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. 

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My bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organizational management, both earned as an adult while working full time and raising a family, I treasure.  Certifications in organizational change management, executive coaching and grief coaching have been earned along the way.  I recently completed a certification in The Opioid Crisis in America, a course of study offered by Harvard University. 

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With my husband, Bill, I am currently loving being a grandparent of six, enjoying traveling, camping, and doing volunteer work in retirement.  Reading, gardening, cooking and baking (to Bill's delight) and sunsets are among my passions. 

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I am grateful to have authored my first book, We Lost Her, and to have had the honor to tell seven families’ stories of addiction loss for the next book, Heartbroken: Grief and Hope Inside the Opioid Crisis.  My third book, The Secret of a Mommy's Love is a joyful story written with my grandchildren.  Authoring Heartlinks Grief Center's blog, Grief Reflections is my privilege. 

 

I am looking forward to continuing to write books that can tell people's stories and make a difference in my reader's life as my “next act.”  If you have ideas for impactful topics to explore, please let me know (see contact page.)

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