What do you love about the all-girls environment at Immaculate Heart?
Young women who attend all-girls schools have better chances for success, both in their schooling and in their world. The tenants of Immaculate Heart, the intersection of faith formation with academic excellence, shine through the traditions and history of the IH school community, producing students and alumnae who are strong, well-formed, independent global citizens. I appreciate the rigorous teaching and lifelong learning promoted at Immaculate Heart and am just as enamored with the practice of supporting the socio-emotional wellness of the students by engaging them through faith-based retreats, celebrations, traditions and service.
What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?
I have been fortunate enough to partner with countless students from all different backgrounds over many years, through their adolescence, college applications, school essays, reference letters, ministry, education and more. It brings me such joy to see seeds planted in their youth flourish as these young people become productive citizens, creative young adults and enthusiastic social justice advocates. I love watching them grow and give back. It is also a delight to see them approach new challenges, tackle unforeseen obstacles and encounter new experiences. Knowing that I might have played even a small role in their journey to adulthood is such a gift. I always say that mentors to young adults are just planting seeds — I don’t always get to watch those seeds grow, but when I do catch those glimpses of seeds I’ve helped plant or cultivate — those are true kingdom moments.
What has been your favorite teachable moment outside of the office?
Being out and about in nature, especially with young people, is one of my favorite things. Whether it is with my family and my children, or leading a hiking group or camp retreat, I relish the opportunity to be still in the presence of God, to be further connected to creation and to experience things in a different way. There is something about relying on one another in a retreat setting that really drives home our interconnectedness and strengthens the bonds between us as human beings. I personally also feel closer to God in those moments. There’s nothing like the dip of your boat while whitewater rafting or the head up from a groupmate while canyoneering in a river upstream to remind you that you are both wonderfully made and also part of a much larger existence.