Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I worked for 16 years in long-term care in the Nutrition Department. I started as a dishwasher at 16 and worked my way up to a dietetic consultant for a long-term care chain and a manager of a food service department. I also functioned as their clinical dietitian.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am an Extension Educator/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I graduated from the university and found Extension to be a very interesting job to apply for. The job description involving working with the public sounded challenging in a good way.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy being able to work with all ages of consumers. Teaching childcare students to wash their hands to certifying food service professionals in food safety keeps my job fresh and interesting. Working with cottage food producers is a newer addition to my position, and has been really interesting. They challenge me to stay on top of my information.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My family is my greatest achievement. My husband and children are my life, and they are fully supportive of my job and all that I do. Our children grew up in Extension and 4-H and were involved in programming from a very young age.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I want to drive a John Deere tractor—it’s on my bucket list.
What is your life like outside of work?
Life outside of work is constantly changing. We are almost empty nesters and have started traveling more. We do a lot of home and garden work and enjoy raising produce in the summer. I love plants and spend a great deal of time taking care of them.