- Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I am originally from the suburbs of Detroit Michigan. I moved to Chicago a few years out of college for a job opportunity working for a private art collector.
Our children were born in Chicago and we had to relocate for a job transfer to Des Moines, Iowa in 2011. We moved back to the Chicago area for a new opportunity in 2014. We did an insane house hunting sprint and looked at thirty-one houses over two days. Yes, with five and three-year-olds in tow!
Our parameters were an excellent school district, a downtown village community, a Metra stop and driving distance to Allstate headquarters in Northbrook. We visited two houses in Libertyville on the second day of hunting and instantly fell in love with Libertyville. We quickly made an offer and could not be happier with our neighborhood.
- Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
I have two boys, Jack 9 and Andrew 8.
- What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We absolutely love hanging out in Libertyville as it truly has that sense of community we were seeking. For family nights, we like Austin’s, Mickey Finn’s or Cluckers. For a date night, nothing beats Milwalky Taco and cocktails at Tavern!
We love enjoying Cook Park and all of the special events such as the Festival of the Arts and Lunch in the Park during the summer.
- Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
I’ve recently joined the David Adler Music and Arts Center as the Development Director. I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing cultural gem for the community of Libertyville and surrounding region. The Center offers music instruction, art classes as well as hosting an art exhibition series and concerts.
The organization operates out of the incredible centennial estate of the famous architect, David Adler. The original estate covered what we now know as Adler Park, all the way to the Adler School and east of the Des Plaines River. When Adler died, his country estate was deeded to the village of Libertyville. The home and surrounding grounds have housed musicians and artists and has been a destination for culture since the 1950’s.
I am also a member of the Libertyville Art Commission which was established by Mayor Weppler. We are working on enhancing cultural opportunities for Libertyville. The Commission is reviewing ideas for a public mural and other visual art concepts for the near future. Most recently the Arts Commission approved plans for a free Drum Circle in Cook Park organized by the Adler Center and it is taking place on October 20th at 5:00pm.
- How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I’ve always worked in fine art management and development. I took a little time off to take care of my young children. I had a burning desire to become involved again in the arts and culture sector. Finding opportunities to impact our local community, through the arts, has been an incredible blessing to me. I’m thrilled to help our local cultural center thrive. As more families move from downtown or relocate from out of state, our artistic scene only enhances the quality of life we have in Libertyville.
The month of October, the Adler Center has an exhibition titled Women Undefined and the galleries are filled with beautiful art created by women living in the Chicago area. Our growing cultural footprint only further connects our village with Chicago and enhances our daily lives.
- What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
With a career in arts management, I’ve spent a lot of time traveling internationally with art work to exhibit at various museums. I have plenty of fun stories involving cargo planes, Japanese semi-trucks and a few from the first-class cabin.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
It is important to understand your “emotional real estate.” You only have so much head space and you have to pick and choose the things worth taking up the precious space in your mind. It is a concept that takes a lot of practice and I try every day. It is a great way to remove thoughts that no longer serve you. This advice comes from my good friend, Christine Laperriere, who is actually writing a book on the subject. She’s a new mom of two and owns her own business. For sure the definition of a super woman.
- What is next for you?
Next for me is to make a positive impact on the Adler Center. I hope to be successful in securing support and serve as an ambassador to the community. I truly believe having a strong and vibrant cultural center will make Libertyville even more desirable as a place to thrive.
On the home front, I’m looking forward to watching my boys enjoy school, sports and grow socially. We are so happy with our life here in Libertyville and feel like it is the absolute perfect place to raise our boys.