Your role at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is Chief Operating Officer.  In 2020, the onset of the pandemic changed so many of our lives.  How did you and your team do such an amazing job and pull through this challenging time?  What did you personally learn from this experience?

One of the things that makes our community exceptional is how deeply we care for one another. The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic staff, along with the Public Health, North Shore Health, and Grand Portage Health Services teams, worked tirelessly during the pandemic to protect our community not only because it was our vocation, duty, or training to do so but because the wellbeing of our neighbors truly mattered to us. The motivation and energy that can be summoned from that kind of deep care can and does power us over significant obstacles.

In terms of what I learned during that time, I can say that throughout the pandemic experience I was reminded that the human spirit is tenacious, the mundane should never be taken for granted, and friendships are precious in both times of strife and joy and are worth investing in.

What is the best part of raising your son and watching him grow up in Cook County?  What are some of your favorite family activities?

Where do I start? Being my kiddo’s mother and watching him grow is the most amazing thing I can imagine doing in this life, and there are so many wonderful things about raising a child in Cook County. From the time he was born, my son has been surrounded by a natural world that stimulates and feeds him and a community that truly sees and celebrates him.

Our favorite activities usually include some assortment of music, art, travel or exploration, and outdoor play. Right now we are spending a lot of time on the baseball field!

What do you do to practice self-care and unwind?  Is there a favorite "go-to" spot in the County that helps you to slow down and relax?

My daily home yoga practice is the core of self-care for me but I also love a good goofy dance party with my kiddo - there is nothing quite like movement and laughter to shake off the tension of the day.

While anywhere near the lake is magical, the place that I cherish most is my own garden. I can lose myself for hours stewarding my small spot of land and am grateful for the peace that comes from time spent in the company of plants.

Best advice you were even given and how does this still impact your life today?