- I have been a resident of the capital district my entire life. My family started in Albany, then moved to Schenectady where I graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. Following graduation, I’ve lived in Colonie, Niskayuna, Guilderland and now Watervliet. Although I would say Guilderland was the quietest, I found Schenectady the friendliest. I’m still searching for my retirement destination.
- I come from a large family of seven siblings. The value of navigating such a large family is learning how to get along with people. I have gained many skills that I employ even today in life. Every day I try to be someone who listens, who is willing to negotiate, lead, empathize as well as share sympathy.
- My daughter and I have a dog named Angel. He is an amazing member of our family. I didn’t really have pets growing up, so Angel has taught me a lot about caring about the wellbeing of other animals. During her senior year of high school, my daughter and I volunteered at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, NY. We would drive down each Saturday for about a year and spend the entire day helping to care for the animals.
- Coming to Siena College has put me on my third career path. I finished my first career in 2007 when I retired after 20 years of service with the Albany Police Department. The best time of that career was when I was promoted to Community Relations. You can hear more about that when you see me about campus, if you choose. The second career I chose, was to serve as the Crime Prevention Specialist for Union College’s Public Safety Department. The best thing about that career has taught me, I love being in an environment that fosters learning on all levels. I enjoy being a part of an environment that supports future generations as they work through who they are and what impact they want to have in the world. I left Union to come to Siena College in 2021, just after the pandemic. Although I did not have a specific career path, I am pleased to support the Facilities Department as Assistant Facilities Manager.
- Maya Angelou once said “words have power…. they have life.” Although I have many favorite phrases, one I keep displayed in my office is that of Elizabeth Gilbert’s, “In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying Thank You, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” This, I wear like armor.
- When a person has a core group of people who are, in essence, their compass they are truly blessed. I am blessed with the love of a handful of women I love and respect. Through the passing years we have crafted our bond well beyond sisterhood.
- I wish I had a true hobby, but that just isn’t the case. There are many things I enjoy, but I believe you have to become somewhat of craftsman or keeper of your hobbies. I love music, but I don’t know many artists or every song. I love hearing or reading biographies, but I don’t collect books. Maybe the fact that I love to walk, maybe that’s my hobby.
- If I’m ever in a situation where I have to choose my last meal, it would be Salmon with a baked sweet potato and roasted Brussels sprouts. I would also have to have chocolate mouse with strawberry on top and a glass of Casillero del Diablo Carmenere, just saying.
- I believe I have enough knowledge and skill to build my own home with my bare hands, and the right tools. My skills started with the purchase of my first starter home. It was a fixer-upper that gave me a lot of practice since I was not able to afford the price of experts. It also helped that I have a brother who is a skilled carpenter, plumber and roofer. He’s also an engineer for a major NYS Correctional Facility. He keeps the lights, heat and AC.
- Are there are any Star Trek, original series, fans on Campus? I am, and had the opportunity to sit in Captain James T. Kirk’s chair on the original set. I am also the proud owner of a Bluetooth communicator badge, a battery-operated Tribble and a transporter changing coffee mug. I won’t even talk about the socks. Yes, I am a fan! If you are also, the museum is located at 112 Montcalm in St. Ticonderoga, NY. It’s an absolutely a fun day trip.
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