You went to high school and college in Toledo, correct? When did you graduate? Were you born and raised in Toledo? Do you still have family members living there?

I was born and raised in Toledo.  I went to Bowsher high school '83, Univ of Toledo (BA) '87, and BGSU (M.Ed) '92. My parents, Mel and Madonna, still live in the house they bought when they got married 52 years ago. I have two brothers; Mike lives in Toledo with his wife and two children, and Marty lives with his fiancée in Ottawa Hills. My sister Marilyn and her family live in Morehead, KY. Did you notice that all of our first names start with M? Fortunately that wasn't a requirement for spouses and grandchildren!

What were your favorite subjects in grade/junior high/high school? Were you involved in extracurricular activities?

My favorite subjects in school were Language Arts/English, Social Studies and History. While in high school I was in concert and marching band, German club, Alchemists (chemistry) club and drama club.

What was your first job?

Netty's Drive In the summer of my junior year- it's like the Dari Freeze.  I worked as  a waitress to pay my way though college at Chadwick Inn, Maumee.

What car did you take your driver's test in?

A '73 Plymouth Fury- that car was HUGE! Eventually, my dad got my sister and me a VW rabbit to drive to school- we loved that little car!

How did you end up in Bluffton? Who was the first person you met in Bluffton?

I met John about 15 years ago- he was teaching at BU at the time. We were married in 1999. I moved from Ottawa to his house on Hillville road. We built a house closer to town in 2004.   The first person I met from Bluffton was my great-aunt Anne McGinnis Parker, who lives  on Put-in- Bay. Of course, I've known her since I was little, but I didn't know she was from Bluffton until I was engaged! I think the first people I met in Bluffton (after I met John) were Mike and Mary Edmiston at one of their chili suppers.

What did you major in at UT? Did you always intend to become a school psychologist? Tell me a bit about your job and what you enjoy most about it? Are you off during the summer like teachers?

I majored in Psychology and English at UT. I didn't know what a school psychologist was until I started looking at graduate programs. I've been working as a preschool psychologist at Hancock county schools for sefen years. I previously worked at Putnam county ESC from 1993-2002. I work with a team of preschool teachers and therapists that identifies and serves children ages 3-5 with disabilities. I serve Cory Rawson, Liberty Benton and Arlington preschools.  The best part about my job is watching the children grow and learn during preschool and go to kindergarten with the academic, language, and social skills they need to succeed. I am on a ten month contract so I do have about seven weeks off in the summer.

Tell me about your children. Ages? What do they enjoy doing?

Patrick is 10 and in 5th grade. He loves computer games, drawing, fishing and camping with his Grandpa. He plays the piano and violin as well as sings in kids' choir at church. He attends the Bluffton karate school. He wants to be a zoo biologist when he grows up. Patrick played the part of Winthrop in BU's spring musical, "The Music Man." Rebecca is 5 and is in kindergarten. She loves to dance and do art projects. She also sings in kids' choir. Rebecca wants to be a teacher when she grows up.

Your husband teaches at ONU, correct? Does he still play organ?

John is a professor in the college of engineering at ONU. He sings in FMC chancel choir and has sung in the Messiah for 10 years. He is currently working on a textbook proposal regarding product design as it relates to customers, businesses and society. He enjoys early morning walks and growing herbs, tomatoes and peppers.

I noticed on Facebook that you appear to enjoy traveling to distant places, such as Hawaii. Where else have you traveled to? Any locations on your list of "places to see" someday?

John and I went to Victoria, British Columbia for our honeymoon and we went back there with the kids in 2010. We have been to Oahu, HI on two occasions.  I have friends that live in England and Germany. We have been pen pals since high school. I have been to visit each of them twice, and John and I went to Germany in 2000 to visit Martina and her parents. We have a long list of places we would like to go to: Ireland, Japan, Nova Scotia, S. Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, and the western National Parks. I love northern England and Berlin, Germany- I would love it if John, the kids and I could go there. We hope to return to British Columbia as well as Hawaii.

You sing in at least one choir that I know of -- are there more? Do you also play an instrument? What is your favorite type of music? Any favorite musicians?

I sing in chancel choir at FMC and I also cantor at St. Mary's. I'm planning on joining One in a Number women's choir this fall. I haven't played the trumpet since high school but Patrick wilI be taking it up at school very soon. I enjoy listening to female artists such as  kd Lang, Tori Amos, Indigo Girls, Allison Krauss,  Kate Bush and Bonnie Raitt. My favorite band is Yes and I'm a fan of their former lead singer Jon Anderson.

What is the most recent book you've read? Any favorite authors? Movie you've seen? What movie have you seen that you'd like to have walked out of (or did walk out of)?

The most recent book I read was (former BU President) Lee Snyder's memoirs. I would have loved to have heard the conversation when she had lunch with Phyllis Diller! That book is a good pairing with "Mennonite in a Little Black Dress." I also read parenting books, self help books and fiction, such as Jodi Picoult.  My all time favorite movie is Wings of Desire, which is a German film set in Berlin. I think Blazing Saddles is the funniest movie ever. I'm particular about what movies I watch, so I can't recall any bad ones!

Okay, you grew up in a metropolitan area and now live in a small town. Do you prefer one over the other? What advantages do you see in both?

I think that Toledo has a bad reputation as a dangerous place. I liked living there and I never felt unsafe.  My elementary  school was a block away.  I would ride my  bike to the library, city pool, church and to friends' houses. I'm glad that my family didn't move around and that John and I both have family that still live there.  There are great places to visit, like the zoo and the museum, and things to do, such as going to the symphony or to a Mud Hens game. When you grow up in a city you realize there are a lot of choices and opportunities, such as where to go to school, live and work, so  you need to think about the options and make the best choice.  Small town life is wonderful for raising a family. I think our downtown is great- so much variety within walking distance. Our family enjoys cultural events at BU or the town hall. I appreciate the musical traditions in our church and in the public school. I love living in Bluffton!

Favorite place for coffee?

Where else? Common grounds!  We are there every Saturday morning. Their lattes are great!