Position & School: Executive Director, Minnesota DECA Classes Taught: Association Management for Career & Technical Student Organization Years in Profession: 24 Favorite Books:  My Sister’s Keeper, The Tipping Point, The Secret Life of Bees Favorite Websites: facebook.com Favorite Creative Resources: Any scrapbook or quilt shop and/or website Specialty: Serves on National DECA Board of Directors

What is the secret of your professional success?

My mission is to…
Have joy in serving students and advisors
Build and strengthen young people
Seek truth and wisdom
Lead, set an example
Share, have health and strength
Listen, be patient
Cultivate peace and harmony

What advice would you give to a new teacher?

Don’t try to do everything the first year – pick a few activities and master them.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

As a director of two state CTSO’s (Career & Technical Student Organizations), my biggest challenge in association management is seeking new funding streams. There is always the fear of losing funding, so one has to be creative and think of new and innovative ways to continue to provide quality experiences for students on limited dollars.

What is your professional philosophy?

There is no limit to what one can achieve as long as you are willing to give others credit.

Professionally speaking, what do you know for certain?

It’s a statement of encouragement that a Chapter Advisor gave me years ago and it keeps my sense of humor when I need it the most: “Once you have demonstrated the ability to walk on water...everyone wants you to trot across the lake on an errand.”

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