For the most part, florists get to celebrate everyone’s happy occasions.

I couldn’t have imagined when I started working as a lifeguard at Sand Park Family Aquatic Center at age 17 that I would, one day, be in charge.

Like many people’s, my career took a turn before it ever really started.

When I was a child, it wasn’t all that common for a woman to run her own business.

People have asked if I always knew that I wanted to be a dentist. I started college as an English major. After the first year I thought, “I need a new major! What can I do in the sciences?” A friend suggested dentistry.

When people think of Williams Tree Farm, they think holiday memories. We love that.

When our lives are in order, we feel at peace, but when things are not in order, we can feel our energy drain away.

People are curious about my career. I’m asked, “You run the jail?” Yes. “You talk to the inmates?” Yes. “You love your job?” Yes, I do.

For as long as I can remember, I've said, I'm my father's only son. I've always been interested in construction and the trades, activities that people might not think of as traditional girl pursuits. Being construction site leader for Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity suits me perfectly.

Martial arts is so important to my life, but unlike many masters, I didn’t get heavily involved until I was an adult. About eight years ago, my son, Justin, joined a Little Dragons tae kwon do class, and I started taking classes, too.