1-What is your ‘go to’ bible verse to get you through the day?
Easily the verse I say to myself over and over again is Jeremiah 29:11 ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I have this on a plaque in my courtyard, so I see it when I leave and come home every time. It gives me peace that the day will unfold how it should using the gifts God has given me.
2-Briefly tell us about a recent fun activity you and or your friends/family participated in.
I am so lucky to have the most amazing friends. I feel like any time we get together, it creates incredible memories—however, it is a toss-up between two recent events. I went to the Van Gogh exhibit with Heather and Molly Hetzel. It was such a fun and fantastic day with two of my favorite people. I recently graduated with a master's in Social Work from FSU. With my master's degree, I will be starting my dream career as a therapist after decades as an executive in the nonprofit world. To celebrate, my amazing group of friends surprised me with the Target challenge (a Tiktoc challenge) and presented me with all the incredible gifts they got me (and my new therapy career) over Indian food and hilarious conversation.
3-Do you have a favorite recipe or take-out meal recommendation you would like to share?
I would say my favorite take-out meal recommedaton would be anything from Morevino (downtown Ocala), Las Margaritas, and Brooklyn’s Backyard. Supporting local is my favorite thing to do!
4- At the start of the 2021 school year, Grace Church will be offering a new Children’s Ministry program, led by Grace’s very own member, Erin van Santen (Father Frans’s wife). While Erin is busy preparing, please share how a mentor, youth leader, or Sunday school teacher had an impact on you and why?
Goodness, this is such a hard question. I had wonderful teachers throughout my education. I think my biggest mentors have come as I’ve aged, or maybe I appreciate them more now. My therapy supervisor, Dr. Nikki Woller, is by far one of the most life-changing individuals I have ever met. She has taught me strength and passion in a way that I never thought possible.
One of my greatest spiritual mentors is Heather Hetzel. Going to a private Christian school left me with mixed feelings about religion, and I have struggled with the concept of religion, but not God. One of my many favorite things about our friendship is the honest conversation about spirituality and religion over our years of friendship. She has taught me to have faith, pray purposefully, and lean on our internal compass to improve my relationship with God.
