Tell us about your family, including your 4-legged babies.

My extended family is spread coast to coast.  Here in Cook County, my kids and I share the house with a chinchilla, two cats, one dog and three fish.  Grandma Lois and Uncle Kevin are also nearby.

Favorite hiking spot in Cook County on your days off?

We typically head NE for our hikes (secret spots).

You are famous for all your freshly-baked goodies. Have you always loved baking?  What is your favorite thing to make?

Thanks to Mrs. Muus for her amazing Home Ec classes all those years ago… I love kitchens and baking.  Today I’m making banana, chocolate chip, walnut muffins and bread.

What advice would you give someone who wants to make this world a better place?

RESPECT each other and our planet.

Cook County is known for being one of the most beautiful places in the world.  What do you love most about living here?

I love our schools, our big lake and our people.

Tell us about some of your international adventures?

I’m very thankful I spent my 20s and 30s traveling the states and countries far away.  Thanks to Mrs. Rasmussen who shared stories in school about living overseas… These stories help us realize we can reach further and say yes to opportunities.