I have lived in the city of Monrovia for twelve years with my husband, Kurt, and our three children. I am a connector and activator by nature, so seeing and knowing people of all kinds gives me great joy and energy to engage in local community development, advocacy, and service. Monrovia is a good city to find a sense of connectedness and belonging. I believe this is so important for people of all ages, and especially important for those of us entrusted with the task of raising the next generations.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Kurt and I have three children, ages 13, 11, and 8. Together we share many interests: nature, adventure, camping, hiking, travel, sports, cooking, trying new foods, reading, learning and just being together in ordinary life. We love the ocean and we find ways to get there often.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am an ordained minister with our local church, Mountainside Communion. I served as Pastor of Neighborhood Engagement there for eight years. Currently, I am in a sabbatical season of rest and renewal, and I continue to volunteer with the church ministries and the Immigration Resource Center of the San Gabriel Valley, which is operated with the church. I also continue to direct a local housing initiative in partnership with the City of Monrovia, which exists to combat the housing crisis by preventing evictions for renters. This role has opened my eyes up to the barriers that many people experience trying to sustain housing in LA County. It is at times, very discouraging to see frequent housing displacement for hardworking families and for people with disabilities. In addition to that, I enjoy developing ways to help people strengthen their support systems by encouraging and empowering adults and children to cultivate relationships in healthy ways.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love all kinds of food– could name quite a few restaurants but will go with Diplomat, Mahan Indian Restaurant, and Max’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here in 2009 after my husband, Kurt, moved his family business, Interior Services, to Monrovia in 2007.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many I could pick but I will go with Ulises Gutierrez. We met in Monrovia back in 2009 when our church started collaborating with what was then called the Monrovia Youth Alliance. Ulises’ life story is very interesting– it is a mix-up of great suffering and great joy– which amounts to great passion to help kids and adults be the best they can be. This description doesn’t even scratch the surface of his story, but he is truly one of the most interesting Monrovians.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would either return to where we have family history in Ireland or Switzerland -OR- I would like to visit somewhere totally new: Ghana, Croatia, Argentina
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Nerd alert! My favorite film is a documentary called Grizzly Man because it shows the chaos of nature and the chaos of the human mind. It is also beautiful, funny and tragic. I also like The Life Aquatic for my love of the ocean and humor. We don’t watch much tv, but I enjoy whatever is usually recommended to me by people who know me best.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Make time for people who are very different from you. There are valuable lessons to learn from other stories and perspectives. Be kind, generous, and remember that you are not and will never be the center of the Universe.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I am not very futuristic, so I have never made a bucket list. How about a visit to the Galapagos Islands!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
U2 for life. Maybe I’m old, but U2 has led me through some really tough seasons in my life.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Probably the business that we own… Interior Services. Being able to live and work in the same community that our kids go to school in and we have our church life in– all of that is a huge privilege and a bit nostalgic. We are so grateful that Monrovia is the city that we are able to do this in. That is why we refuse to stop imagining this reality for more hard-working families.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Musician Jon Batiste. We were introduced to his music before he got so famous… we just love him– his lyrics, his personality, the stories he tells in jazz, and most of all his hope. I always let the other person choose the restaurant, but I may suggest ceviche and cocktails at Xecora in El Monte
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
Other than two obvious ones for us–walkability and proximity to nature…in the 12 years I’ve been here it seems that leadership tries to work together, crossing political party lines. It also seems that leadership has maintained a posture of listening to the community and empowering nonprofit organizations and community partners to speak up and speak out on behalf our residents.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Monrovia
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up with a father who became a quadriplegic when I was 1 year old. I got 24 good years with him before he died of cancer in 2003. He is my hero.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It’s hard to choose! Switzerland is tied with Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And what is the best single day on the calendar?
I love my birthday because it is on Saint Patrick’s Day and we are Irish on my side of the family! I also like that because I like history and learning about the original context of such a holiday. Saint Patrick has an amazing story. Nerd Alert 2!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband Kurt! He is the best.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My closest friends
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Flowers and natural plant oils.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, community, gratitude
