I am a new member of the Board of Trustees, having joined the Board in July 2025. I am a relatively new member of the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship; I formally joined in 2022 after attending services and participating in some activities for a year prior to that.

Jackson County has been my home since the summer of 1981 when I began attending the SIU School of Law after completing my bachelor’s degree in Biological Science at the University of Illinois, Champaign. I have practiced law since 1984. I grew up in a farming family in central Illinois. My three adult children and two grandchildren bring me great joy. I have a deep love for the natural beauty of Southern Illinois and a profound respect for the artists and public servants who make up a large part of the population.

I was drawn to CUF, in part, due to the members’ commitment to social justice. As an attorney, I have seen many social justice issues through the eyes of my clients, and I am aware that faith communities are needed at times to address gaps when other resource networks fall short.

CUF appealed to me because of the strong networks of friendship centered around environmental justice, religious education, diversity, personal spiritual growth, multigenerational celebrations, and stewardship of natural resources.

From my perspective, CUF provides the context and space for activities that foster deeper and more meaningful relationships with other CUF members. These relationships allow us to make an impact that ripples out into the local community, the Southern Illinois region, and the nation. CUF members are there for one another in times of joy and in times of challenge – at every stage of life.

I have enjoyed being involved in the Religious Education program, Feed My Sheep, Finance Committee, Social Action Committee, Green Team, a Covenant group, and the Outdoor Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance team. I am deeply honored to serve as a Board member. I look forward to continued growth as a Unitarian.