Five years ago I never would have predicted that I would be seeking election to the Lakeville Area School Board at this moment. I became inspired to do so after connecting with various families in our community and realizing there are differences in educational experiences. I care deeply that all children know that they belong in our classrooms and community, and that everyone experiences the high quality, world class education that we have all come to expect in the ISD 194 district. Also, given my profession as a mental health provider, I want to help ensure supportive academic environments and access to the varied resources that kids need to be successful in school.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
There is so much strength in my family, past and current. My maternal grandmother lost my grandfather to cancer when he was just 32 years old. Luckily she was college-educated and was able to raise their five children on a Catholic school teacher’s salary. She never dated until her last child went to college. And even my mother will say she never heard my grandmother complain about this situation. My paternal grandmother was a strong German woman who helped my grandfather run a successful dairy farm – ever seen Bongard’s cheese in the grocery store? I grew up at that creamery! She had an amazing garden, made the most beautiful quilts, was a leader in her community’s Ladies Aid Society, and would randomly surprise the children at the local Lutheran school with the most delicious homemade long john donuts. These women were so influential in my life and raised my parents to have strong morals, values, and work ethic that they then instilled in me and my siblings. Important values in my family growing up were to connect with and support your neighbors, to always be respectful, to pay attention to the experience of others, and to forever keep a growth mindset. I was lucky to find my life partner when I was young and we have managed to grow together as we navigate the challenges of busy careers and raising children. We have three beautiful children and the enormous responsibility we have to raise these children to be kind, respectful, and empathic adults is not lost on us. We work hard, help those around us, and when we screw up, we own it and apologize. We have fun and we save our money so we can do our favorite thing – travel together and see this beautiful world.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a clinical neuropsychologist and work at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. I am fortunate to serve those who served our country, firmly believe in the mission of my daily work, and find great value in my daily connections with Veterans. I often have to give hard feedback, such as confirming a diagnosis of dementia. However, even on these tough days I am able to serve Veterans by validating the concerns that brought them to my office, providing education, and connecting them with resources that aim to support ongoing independent living. I am honored to be that point of connection and support that they need as they navigate uncharted waters. I am lucky to never question my “why” when it comes to my daily work. Every day feels important.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hmmm, that is a hard one to answer! Too many great places to highlight a favorite. 🙂 It totally depends on what I’m in the mood for and who I am with! I love a quiet beer with my husband at Angry Inch. If we are doing dinner with the kids, I like the outdoor space at Lakeville Brewing Company. Barley and Vine has a great patio space that I’ve enjoyed several times with friends … and oooo… those truffle fries! I’m starting to drool so I better stop!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Lakeville for four years but lived in Burnsville for nearly six years before that and open-enrolled our daughter in the Lakeville Area Public Schools when she started kindergarten seven years ago. So we have been connected with the Lakeville community for seven years.
Q: Who’s one of the most interesting people you’ve met in Lakeville?
Amy Collins 😉
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Honestly, I love traveling anywhere that gives me exposure to different cultures and new experiences. We recently traveled to Costa Rica and had the most amazing time learning about and getting to know the Ticos and their way of life that is vastly different from our own. Within a day or two I had completely embraced the “Pura Vida” lifestyle and gained a new perspective on what it means to prosper in life. This is what traveling is all about to me – learning to see the world through a different lens.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Another tough question to answer! Shawshank Redemption is an all-time favorite. Otherwise, it depends on my mood. If I want to laugh, I love Happy Gilmore or Wedding Crashers. If I want a good cry, give me Coco.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
We often talk about being kind – which is so important. But just as important as being kind is having and showing empathy for others. Building empathy for people who have different backgrounds/experiences/perspectives often comes through active listening – i.e., stop what you’re doing, look at the person, and truly listen. I think we could all improve our listening skills and try to see the world through someone else’s lens; the world would be a better place if we all sought to learn more from others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Trampled by Turtles – a local bluegrass band from Duluth. If you haven’t seen them live, you absolutely need to check them out!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Ooh, definitely the Dairy Delite. My kids love going there and it just has such a small town feel to it. Stops for ice cream on summer days are the best.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My family loves picking up a Toppers pizza and going to Antler’s Park on a Friday night. Pure joy. And you can’t beat the excitement of the Lakeville South vs. North sporting events.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Probably still spending the majority of my time in a hockey arena. 🙂 I see myself as supporting my kids in all things. That is the main focus of my life right now. I also have a strong commitment to service – hopefully I will also be supporting all kids and families in this community by serving as a member on the ISD 194 Board of Education. I would also like to continue serving the older adults in our community by providing educational seminars on brain health and aging.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a bit of an adventurous spirit and like a good thrill every so often. I will never forget the experience of skydiving. That moment of freefall was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my lifetime. And I will probably never do it again!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hands down Zion National Park. I have been fortunate to travel many places in this world but I found my soul while hiking the Narrows with my husband and kids. Absolutely breathtaking.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love the holiday season that spans from Thanksgiving through the New Year. My two favorite days are the day after Thanksgiving when we decorate the tree/house, and then Christmas morning. I love the lights that brighten the winter darkness and the joy that fills our household while doing all of our traditions like decorating and making cookies.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband. He is my foundation. The one who supports me and also doesn’t back down from challenging me or my perspective.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. I am always thinking about how I can be a better mother to them. How to support them, and how to help them build strong moral character and values. I have the best mom so certainly have the inspiration and example. I hope to someday get to her level.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Sunscreen. So nostalgic – so many memories made on vacations as a kid and with my family now. Whenever I put sunscreen on, joy typically follows.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, sanctuary, laughter
