Wife – Mom – Artist
I was born and raised in Michigan, I moved to Minnesota in 1990. I’ve lived in a several different cities in Minnesota but found “home” here in Big Lake in 2007. I’ve been married to the best person I know, Tim, for 15 years and we have a 12 year old little girl, L.
I have worked in Equine Veterinary Medicine, in several capacities, over the years including surgery, anesthesia, critical care, and management. For the last 6 years I have been fortunate to work from home as the Practice Manager for a world known Equine veterinarian who is also one of the vets for the U.S. Olympic Equestrian team.
Working from home has allowed me time to expand and spend a lot more time on my art. I am now pretty much full-time artist and am known for both my custom shoes and my canvas works. I am proud to say my artwork has been sold to 43 of our 50 U.S. states, 13 international countries and
I’ve won several international awards. All my childhood dreams come to life.
When I am not in my studio, my favorite spot is with Tim and L. I spend a lot of time doing “Mom things”. We love to check out new little towns, eateries and coffee shops. We love spending time outdoors on our 4-wheelers exploring and are looking forward to purchasing a canoe or kayaks soon. More travel is in our future.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My loves. My husband Tim, simply the most amazing person ever, I am so lucky. L our daughter is 12 years old, life is so fun seeing it through her eyes.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I am not too proud to admit I am at Caribou every single day for my Decaf Skim Plain Latte. We love Trails and No. 1 China has awesome pot stickers.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I am blessed enough to have my childhood aspirations realized. Like many little girls my love was art and horses. I’ve worked in Equine Veterinary medicine in various positions for the past 28 years and my art career has grown dramatically. So horses and art.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to Big Lake in 2007.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Sooo many interesting people, I can’t choose just one.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
I have worked in Equine Veterinary Medicine in some way or another for 25 years…we are all about pets. Right now I have a horse Giorgio who has been my best boy longer than most people. We have 2 Welsh Corgi dogs, Doodle Bug is 12 and Foxx is 11 years. Last but not least we have 2 Guinea Pigs, Elliot and Squirt.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
Good questions, so many. I love Star Wars, James Bond, Yellow Stone, NCIS, CSI’s. I prefer action and drama.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
I have always loved Christmas even more so seeing it through my kiddos eyes. Seasons I love the spring and fall. I like seeing the changes that nature goes through.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Enjoy what nature has to offer…the refuge, lakes, rivers are something we are all so fortunate to have so close.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Nepal and see the Himalaya’s.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
Coborn’s always comes through for us. Caribou always a love. McChesney’s is such a great community business.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge, we are so lucky to have it so close.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ll be retired from veterinary medicine, continue to create art full-time, traveling more.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Gosh, I am pretty much an open book, I don’t know that there is much that family and friends don’t know.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and daughter, Tim and L.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
Wildlife Refuge – Lakes – Community
