I moved to Frederick County in 1995 to begin a teaching career with FCPS. I’ve grown to love this area, and enjoy being outside whether it’s hiking at Catoctin or Sugar Loaf, or in my yard trying to become a better gardener. During the pandemic I discovered I also love to run. I like to wake up early and begin each day in a quiet space with a book or some type of meditation/workout. That and coffee readies me for the day. I’m the youngest of 8 children and grew up in 4 different states. I’ve lived in Maryland since the mid 80s when I started college at University of MD.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I tell my husband Mark he’s a farmer in a computer scientist’s body. He loves caring for our horses and chickens, and the land we all live on. He grew up in Frederick County and works at NIST. Our daughter Jemma is an avid equestrian, and just finished her first year at UMBC.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I taught with FCPS for 17 years before discovering I was meant to open a children’s museum. A google search took me to 4 W Main Street in New Market and I never looked back. What I love most about running The Original Playhouse is the people I’ve met. And what I love next is the happiness I feel when I hear kids say how much fun they have there, a space that I designed for that specific reason: for kids to have fun.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I opened the Playhouse in 2013. We moved from from downtown Frederick to Monrovia in 2016.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. There are many, but over the years, my neighbor Rick Fleshman pops by and shares old stories about the town. He was the mayor of New Market and has a wealth of knowledge about the town. I’ve learned a lot from him and he’s a good friend.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Listen to your heart when it’s telling you to go for it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
So so many more places to see in the world: Patagonia, Mekong Delta, and the Amazon River to name a few.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love being a member of the Events Committee. We all share a high-energy desire to shine a light on the delightful charm and community spirit that lives inside New Market. Our 2 annual events, the South Alley Block Party and Christmas in New Market get better each year.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Most likely exactly where I am today.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
One of the best days of my life was riding on the back of an elephant thru the jungle of Thailand. And I was the only American. I adore elephants.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Nanital, India because it sits on Himalayan foothills.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Each season has its bests. I guess I’d say the new life and color that unearths itself every spring, what a miracle!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dark Chocolate, ha!
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
I think the experience of motherhood has impacted me in ways that are both intangible and real at the same time. Jemma inspires me to strive to be a role model who works hard, volunteers time, values family, and tries to see the good in everyone.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
peaceful, open, and our very own style
