Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
I wanted to join the USC Newcomers because my husband and I had just had our second child, I wanted to get involved with the Progressive Dinner, and I like going to a book club.
Where did you recently move from?
Andrew, our son George and I moved back to the area from Cambridgeshire, England.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a small town with a lake called Pewaukee.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and made the National Dean’s List. Then, I was off immediately to Savannah, Georgia to study Historic Preservation and Museum studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. I graduated with honors earning a Master of Fine Arts two years later.
What do you do for your day job?
I teach four and five year olds at St. David’s Christian Early Learning Center in Venetia (only about a mile from my house).
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Andrew and I have two little boys. George is 10 years old and Joss is five years old.
Do you have any pets?
This year, in October we got a lovely German Wirehair Pointer and named her Marlena.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love being creative and working with my hands. I paint, draw, collage, stitch (a little), and garden. I also really enjoy being outside! Our family loves camping, swimming, biking and hiking.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt.
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
I have taken on a leadership position at church in the Children’s Ministry. We have begun to shift our curriculum to include Godly Play. This ministry teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world. We are just at the beginning so, we are collecting the materials, setting up the classroom and learning the stories to share with the children.
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Book Club and the Progressive Dinner.
What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
It’s sometimes hard to live in the suburbs, we are all so busy taking care of everyone and everything that it can feel a little bit isolating. Newcomers is a great way to break the ice, find some common ground and reach out to friends. This is an open invitation to anybody needing a friend, call me or drive by and see if we are home. Bring your kids, stay, play, have a cup of tea and a biscuit with me.