How many years have you been in the school business profession?
12 years!
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
As a staff auditor and audit manager for the State Auditor's Office, I interacted with many school district treasurers during the audit process. During this time, I also became good friends with Jennifer Bruns and Jody Jones. They made the transition to the treasurer role and then encouraged me to obtain my license. I knew the treasurer for Wapakoneta would be retiring soon so I decided to take their advice, work towards my license and go for the job.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
I would say my proudest career accomplishment is earning my Master's Degree at age 39 while working full time and raising two active middle schoolers. It taught me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
The most important part of my job is to ensure that we are being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Besides being the school district Neil Armstrong graduated from, I believe that our Wapakoneta Internship Network (WIN) program makes us unique. Participating seniors express what they are interested in. The career counselor then pairs them with local businesses. The seniors get to leave school for two periods a day to attend the internship. The opportunity allows them to decide whether the career field they are thinking about entering is right for them. I've had the opportunity to host two seniors. The first one decided accounting wasn't for her. The second one was interested in business and working with me and my staff confirmed his choice. This is just one example of how Wapakoneta provides learning opportunities outside the classroom.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
I would like to become more engaged in the advocacy efforts and make it to the Statehouse to testify some day. Public speaking is not my forte so this is out of my comfort zone, but would be good for personal and professional growth.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I ran through the streets of Paris with my youngest daughter last year trying to get to Philippe Conticini so she could buy the XXL croissant that was going viral on TikTok. According to the map it was right around the corner from where our group was, but because several streets were barricaded to protect foreign dignitaries there to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we had to run out of our way. We looked like crazy people trying to make it there and back in fifteen minutes, but the smile on her face when we found the foot long croissant that was twice the size of her head was all worth it.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I would be a kangaroo so I could hop around Australia, a country I've wanted to visit since third grade.
Favorite TV Show?
I don't really watch much tv so I don't have a favorite.
Favorite Movie?
Anything on the Hallmark Channel. (It's a running joke in my family.)
Favorite Food?
Pizza
What is one of your favorite expressions?
Everything can be fixed.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
Do you have to work in the summer?
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
The best part of being involved in OASBO is all of the support you receive from OASBO and fellow colleagues around the State.