How many years have you been in the school business profession?
Eight years!
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
While working for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, I found that I most enjoyed auditing public schools. My conversations with treasurer clients during that time sparked my interest in our profession.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
It was a difficult 2.5 years when I first started at Nordonia Hills CSD, but we successfully rightsized our K–8 schools while making significant budget reductions across the District. We approached the process in a clear and transparent way, keeping open communication with the Board, staff, union, families, and the community. Together, we navigated both the ESSER cliff and a major contract settlement cliff—challenges that could have had serious financial consequences. I believe the trust we built through that process helped us earn community support, which was reflected when our May 2025 levy passed by 94 votes. On top of that, we were able to negotiate two bargaining contracts without legal representation on either side by focusing on clear facts, respect, and collaboration. I’m very appreciative of the people I work with at Nordonia Hills, because their professionalism to educate kids is first and foremost on people’s minds.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
The most important part of my job is ensuring the district’s financial stability and transparency to the community. We deal with taxpayer dollars, amounts collected through fundraisers, and money that parents provide to the District. It is important for us to remain compliant with state and federal regulations, and that our resources are allocated in a way that supports students, staff, and the community. It is also equally important to communicate financial information in a way that is clear and accessible, so that trust is built with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Our District sits at the northern part of Summit County, between Cleveland and Akron, and serves Northfield Center, Northfield Village, Macedonia, Sagamore Hills, and part of Boston Heights. While we are five different communities, we come together as one Nordonia Hills CSD with our students at the center.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
At the top of my professional bucket list is continuing to learn and grow, while also helping to mentor and teach new treasurers coming into the profession. I think it’s important to give back and share what I’ve learned along the way. That's what great people in our profession did for me, and that is what I intend to do in the future!
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
Something my colleagues might be surprised to learn is that I’ve completed 12 marathons and eight full 140.6-mile Ironman triathlons. Training and competing in those races has taught me a lot about discipline, perseverance, and setting long-term goals.
I was also a head swim coach for 10 years for two different high schools.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Manatees......because they get to chill all the time, which is the opposite of my life right now. I’m jealous of them!
Favorite TV Show?
Game of Thrones
Favorite Movie?
Dead Poets Society
Favorite Food?
I love a good medium-rare steak, but most days I’m finishing my kids’ half-eaten chicken nuggets and mac and cheese.
What is one of your favorite expressions?
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle.
For four years, this quote hung in the pool during swim practice. It became ingrained in my head and has stuck with me ever since.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
The first question I usually get is, "Oh, do you get summers off?" Even my own mother asks me that every year. People are often surprised to learn that summer is actually one of our busiest times, as we’re closing out the fiscal year and preparing for the next one.
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
My favorite part of being involved in OASBO is the outstanding professional development, collaboration, and learning. It’s truly unique because many states in similar situations don’t have the same level of support and resources that we can enjoy through OASBO.