Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I was a “Navy Brat” growing, but my family settled in Grayslake, IL when I was in eighth grade. My dad retired from the Navy right before September 11th.
As an adult, I lived in Waukegan before falling in love with the Libertyville area and moving here four years ago. Libertyville has so much to offer. There are so many amenities of a big town, but it has that small town vibe too. My girlfriends and I meet up for First Friday’s as often as we can. We love having a glass of wine and snacks at O’Tooles, checking out the local shops like Edie and Libbyville, and Bare for the best facials ever!
Between the amazing schools, the vibrant downtown, and the community – Libertyville is the perfect place to raise our family.
Tell us about your family…
My husband Kyle and I have been married five years and I have three children: Ava (9), Quinn (3), and KC (2).
Ava attends Oak Grove Elementary School and I can’t wait for the other two to join her there. It’s been such a wonderful learning environment for Ava, and I’ve really loved getting involved in the school community as well. I’m currently on the school’s Education Foundation Board.
Are you involved in any volunteering or philanthropy? Do you have a favorite local non-profit or charity?
Yes! I started tutoring with Reading Power, a one-to-one literacy tutoring nonprofit last year and I’m absolutely loving it!
Teaching is not my background, but the Reading Power staff make it so easy. They walk you through the lesson plans each week and are always there to answer any questions you may have. I’ve learned so much about literacy – it’s helped me with my own kids learning as well.
I tutor first and second grade students for a few hours one day a week. It’s such a small-time commitment, but I can truly see the impact I am making. I was surprised at just how much I connected with my students. I love getting to know them and their personalities and then matching up books we read together to their interests. It’s so much fun for them, and it’s fun for me too!
Sounds like literacy is important to you. Tell me about your favorite book/s. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
Reading is so important. For me personally, getting lost in a great story is the perfect way to relax and relieve any anxiety or stress I may be feeling. It’s such a great escape. My latest read was The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle. It was fabulous! As a history major, I love historical fiction.
As a mother, I know how important literacy is to children’s educational success. The last few years have been so difficult for so many students. In fact, more than one in three children who started school in the pandemic need intensive reading help. That’s why my work with Reading Power feels so rewarding. I’m helping set these students up for continued academic success.
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
Tapping into the incredible resources! With my work on the Oak Grove School Education Foundation, I was on the planning committee for their annual gala. We used LAMA for so many fabulous vendor contacts. We found a photographer, a photo booth, you name it, and you can find it on the site!
What is next for you?
I am looking forward to getting my kids settled back into our school routine and to starting a new year of tutoring with Reading Power.
We are expanding to new schools this year, to serve even more students in need. If any readers would like to join us, they can sign up on our website: https://readingpowerinc.org/tutors