I’m a very self driven person, not that I wanted to be. At different points of my life I have had to navigate hard times alone. I enjoy walking alongside of others while they navigate their journey knowing they don’t have to do it alone. Ultimately, I’ve always found success and drive by relating to people. Finding their drivers, helping to pinpoint their why, and keeping an open mind along the way, has always helped me to break through other’s walls and get to the root of any issues they might be having and get them focused on the successes ahead!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family moved to Lakeville 8 years ago from the Rochester area. I was born and raised in southern Minnesota as a farm girl, but the lure of career opportunities, good food, music events, sporting events, and the art scene of “the cities” finally got to us! I live here with my husband Mike of 22 years, our two daughters, Reece who will be heading to college and Rylee who will be starting High School in Farmington this fall, and never to forget our fur babies, Moose-a 6yr old Rottweiler and Stella- a 3yr old Frenchie.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a dental hygienist for 22 years and a health coach for the past year. Both provide me the opportunities to help others achieve optimal health; it’s amazing how much the two can overlap!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Lakeville Brewing is likely my favorite and not just because my daughter Reece works there! The Rachel Nachos or hand made potato chips can’t be beat… hey, if anyone is reading this, please add the dill pickle wing seasoning to the chips. Please?!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We’ve been here for just over 8 years in, what’s likely, the greatest neighborhood of all time! Our little hood has taken multiple trips together, weekly backyard fires, dinner nights out, and pool parties! We think we hit the jackpot.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have had a total crush on Croatia and Greece lately! I WILL get there soon enough! The water and scenery looks incredible!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: Well I recently saw the new Top Gun: Maverick and it was amazing! Considering I was the VP of the TopGun club in 6th grade on the playground it’s pretty high on my list. But one I can never escape watching is Hot Tub Time Machine. I love the 80s references and it’s such an underrated classic in my book! But feel free to throw me a movie line, I love a good movie quote! Nothing sappy though, I’m a REALLY ugly crier, so I don’t watch anything that makes me cry.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Drink 60-80 oz of water a day Eat 6 small meals a day Get in a little activity Brush & Floss! Use a charcoal floss
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Spend a summer traveling Europe. There’s so much to see and do, I just want to do it all!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
90s grunge or Country depending on my mood.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Considering we haven’t been here a long time, I can’t say I’m too nostalgic about a lot. The “McStop” has been a landmark as long as I’ve been alive that we southern Minnesotans always know!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose Jenna Kutcher- an author/podcaster/educator/speaker who also enjoys teaching others how to live their best lives. Plus she’s a “local” from Duluth! Just a regular small town girl making big stuff happen! We’d probably go to Lakeville Brewing too… it fits her vibe….
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Honestly, when we talked about moving up this way, Lakeville was always on the radar. My brother had lived here for years and we just felt the kids had a great upbringing and good schools. The people are amazing, so caring and open.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Likely still in the area! We hope to one day own here and a vacation home for winter, but 5-10 years…you’ll still see us around!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have recently become ordained! My husband and I are officiants of a friend’s wedding this coming September!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sedona, AZ! For now that answer will have to do, until I visit Croatia.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: October, I love the weather, the colors, it’s all perfect! Holiday: Christmas, the whole darn season is just so pretty, fun, and heartwarming.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids, hands down. Everything I do, I do it for them. To Inspire them. To motivate them. I want my ceiling to be their floor.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass AZ air- I can’t explain it..
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Chaos. Porch. Family