Some of my earliest memories include visiting a nursing home where my mom worked. I was brought in to play games, dress as an elf over the holidays and visit with lonely residents. Even at a young age, I was aware and deeply saddened at how elders were treated and valued in our culture. In college I quickly identified my desire to work in the nonprofit and public sector and have committed myself to nonprofit administration and to working for organizations that are mission driven.
My career has included the Triangle United Way and the Carolina Center for Public Service at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have also served as a consultant and project manager for nonprofit and government organizations in the areas of strategic planning, training, facilitation, organizational development and fundraising. Ten years ago, I made a purposeful shift into the field of aging services to align my passion with my work.
Through my work with the Leading Age Leadership Academy, I realized that many of our challenges stem from deep rooted ageist views in our society and that I wanted to play a role in shifting our views of growing older. I launched the Be Bold, Claim Old campaign through my TED-inspired two-minute talk at Leading Age.
I’m currently a member of the executive team at Carolina Meadows, which is a fantastic continuing care retirement community in Chapel Hill, NC. I bring an interesting perspective to my work having also served on Carolina Meadows’s Board of Trustees for five years, including as Chair.
I earned a Masters of Public Administration specializing in nonprofit management and a Graduate Certificate in Aging, both from the UNC-Chapel Hill. I am a proud native North Carolinian and live in Hillsborough with my husband and daughter. I’m often spotted soaking in the nature and beauty of our small town. In addition, I credit mindfulness for keeping me fairly sane and enjoy teaching Mindful Yoga. The mindful approach of being in the present moment with gratitude fits well with Be Bold, Claim Old.