Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I have three children ages 19, 14, and 12. My oldest son is heading off on a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My middle son loves hockey and dirtbike riding, and my daughter competes in competitive cheer and dance at Dance FX. We love visiting nearby lakes during the summer and going on road trips. Listening to music and having our own private dance parties are also high on the list of what we love doing together.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

What I most love about the photography side of things is being able to create what I see…showing people through my images the beauty that they may not even know is there. Having this creative outlet; being able to express myself and giving people a gift that they can treasure for the rest of their lives is what feeds my soul.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tacos el Rey and Bob’s Cafe.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
21 years.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

Mireya Ceja.  She once told me that if I didn’t accept her kindness that she wouldn’t be blessed for it.  So now when someone refuses my help, I say the same thing.  I have learned so much from Mireya.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d travel to Utah because that’s where my family is.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ever After is my favorite movie. Friends is my favorite TV show.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
The universe has your back. Don’t be afraid to try and fail and then try again!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Taking my kids to hike Machu Picchu in Peru and to the Thai beaches where life is simple and beautiful. I want them to experience the world like I have.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Taylor Swift.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Silver Sage.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

Malala Yousafzai.  She has paved the way for women around the world to lead, and has shown that one voice can make a difference.  I would request that my daughter attend this lunch with me, or go in my place, and we would treat her to delicious omelettes at Bob’s cafe! 

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Spring Fest and the County Fair.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see a better version of myself in 5 to 10 years and I want to be the wind beneath my children’s wings as they fly into adulthood.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been paragliding in Peru.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The beaches in Thailand with my sweetheart.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December is my favorite month and Christmas and Easter are my favorite holidays.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An Oklahoma thunderstorm.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My twin sister, Marilee.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Rain and cilantro.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Love. Forever.