Born: Frederick, Maryland
Status: Married (to a man who lovingly tolerates my 47 daily ideas)
Alma Mater: South University, plus 12 years of real-world brilliance under the mentorship of Diane Reinhart.
What’s on TV: Depending on my attention span that day… a podcast with a brand-new conspiracy theory, garbage reality shows while I scroll TikTok, or whatever is trending on Netflix.
Most spontaneous thing I have ever done: Woke up and decided to open a spin studio… despite never having taught a spin class in my life.
What I drive: A paid-off SUV with 170,000+ miles that I intend to drive until she physically refuses to go any farther.
What I am reading: Emails. Never-ending emails. But I will absolutely listen to a good audiobook while I clean or drive if I need to tune the world out, preferably something health, fitness, or financial/economic-based.
Favorite movie: None. I don’t tend to rewatch movies unless forced, bribed, or trapped on an airplane.
Something you would never guess about me: I can run a city budget, a festival, and a soccer practice… but don’t ask me to fold a fitted sheet. We’re going to ball it up and never look back.
Actress that would play me in a movie: Emma Stone, just quirky enough to capture my daily chaos, channeling her “Zombieland” energy while teaching a 5 a.m. spin class and fielding sometimes bizarre and easily Googleable questions from the public with a smile on my face.
Favorite thing in my closet: A red sequined jumpsuit I have yet to wear…
App I can’t live without (no judgment): Outlook calendar, because without it I would simply wander around hoping someone tells me where to be.
Worst habit: Turning a quick idea into a full-blown 20-slide business plan.
Weirdest thing in my fridge: Seven empty condiment bottles, which I assume multiply overnight because no one will admit to leaving them there.
On my office walls: Unfortunately, not an oil canvas painted by Rebecka Hess, also known as Dr. Canvas. She’s local, and you should definitely check out her work!
One celebrity you’d love to have dinner with: Dolly Parton, the gold standard of charm and telling people no sweetly.
Favorite go-to comfort food: Pineapple, pepperoni, and jalapeno pizza. Yes, pineapple belongs on pizza. No, I will not be taking questions at this time.
First thing I do in the morning: Either cheer 18 adults through a workout, convince grumpy kids to get ready for school, or trip over a dog. Some days, all three.
Pet I’d have if anything was possible: Considering I already have four goats, two dogs, and four kids, I think the universe has checked that box for me. Hard pass on more creatures.
Most used emoji: The sweaty smiley face. It accurately captures my mood at least 12 times a day.
First job: Cashier at Zaxby’s in Pooler, back when it was the only fast-food option in town and you could get through the Savannah Airport TSA in two minutes. Simpler times.
What I like about Effingham County: The people. They are funny, direct, supportive, and proud of their home. You will not find a group more dedicated to their community or more willing to give feedback. Lots and lots of feedback.
Snack I can never say no to: Please do not send cookies to City Hall; I have zero self-control.
Favorite sports team: Go Bravos! And Austin Riley, obviously.
What song always gets me dancing: Whatever the instructor in my head tells me to, because apparently I am always one song away from a full choreography moment and a 5, 6, 7, 8… Thanks, Tawney!
Favorite value in others: Follow-through. Bonus points if I do not have to send a reminder. Triple points if I do not have to send three. Also, please make me laugh.
Advice I’d give my teenage self: Breathe. You do not need to have a five-year plan at 16. You will build those later. Many of them. In Excel.
Talent I’d most like to have: I wish I could be a great dancer. My current style is more “I tried my best” than “wow, she has talent.”
Dream date: Probably sitting on a cruise balcony with my husband while still at port, with sunburned shoulders and a plate full of pizza, watching all the stragglers hustling back to the ship. Pizza and people-watching. Perfection.
Attribute I like best about myself: I can handle anything life throws at me, except a fitted sheet.
And least: I have two speeds: turbo and asleep. There is no in-between.
Most ridiculous thing I believed as a kid: That adults had everything figured out. Hilarious.
My hero: My husband, who took the most stubbornly independent woman and somehow convinced her that being a passenger princess is actually wonderful.
My bucket list: I finally got to see Alaska (and whales) this year, which was on my list for a long time. So now I guess my next bucket-list item is to start a new bucket list.
My motto: “I will make it work.” I might not know how yet, but I will.
