For 7 years I was school librarian in upstate NY and now I work with area school librarians to help them with their curriculum and technology integration.

While I was a student at Utica College, I discovered a local martial arts class taught by a man from Cambodia. I joined the class and fell in love with Hapkido, a Korean Martial Art that combines elements of Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Judo.

When I moved to Syracuse I was not able to find a comparable class or martial arts family so, I have been focusing more on Yoga these days. I do hope to find some time to train with my Hapkido family, too.

GETTING MY BLACK BELT AT MY HAPKIDO CLASS IN UTICA, NY!

I recently moved to a home that was built by family in 1922. It is quirky and I couldn’t be more excited to get to work on this fixer-upper. I am from a small town and am happy to be in a small town that is still in the area where I can continue to be a part of the community I love.

In early 2013 I learned that some friends were interested in bringing TED talks to Utica. They had applied for a TEDx license and I had to get involved. We planned and executed 5 amazing TEDx Utica events through which speakers from all over the country, and a number from the area, shared their big “Ideas Worth Sharing” right here in Utica. I have met some truly amazing, interesting, innovative, and caring people who are doing great things and inspiring people in many different fields. I have been part of an awesome team to help plan the event. My primary roles, though, were as a Speaker Coach to make sure the speakers are practiced and ready for the event, and as Volunteer Organizer.

I also love outdoor activities like walking my dogs, hiking, and rowing crew.