I live in the mountains of Northern Arizona on a little 2.57 acre ranchette called Fireskye.  It is home to five dogs and 30 chickens.  I occasionally borrow sheep from my trainer and friend, Karen Clymer, who lives a country block away.  She enjoys walking them down to my place with her border collie, Tim.

I have an incredible son, Jason.  Jason has three nearly perfect children, Lexie, Trey and Annabelle.  He is a bright light in my family.  His sweetness, honesty and earnest approach to all aspects of his life endear him to those who know him.  He is the general manager of the Arizona Medical Exchange.

My boyfriend, Fred Risser, a dear friend of 25 years, keeps me on my toes and laughing.  You can see his picture below.  We've resumed dating after a hiatus of 22 years.

My Dad died in 2002,  a deep loss for our family.  My Mom died in 2006, but I had the good fortune to care for her in her last months.  She was full of life to the end and determined to stay, though she lost that battle.

I am a sister to Nancy (pictured above, Nancy left, me on right), John.  These talented and creative siblings are my friends, my critics and confidants.  Their exceptional children bring vitality and energy to our family.  Each one is gifted in unique ways, leaving their innovative, imaginative stamp on the world wherever they go.

I have worked over 26 years in counseling and mental health program administration.  Prior to 1986, I was the Maryland Drinking Driver Monitor Program Montgomery County Supervisor and acting state administrator.  The DDMP is a division of the Maryland Department of Parole and Probation and provides intensive supervision for convicted drunk drivers.  It became a National Model Program for supervising convicted drunk drivers.  As a member of the Montgomery County Criminal Justice Commission, I was awarded two honorable mentions by the Commission for my work in this field. 

I moved to Arizona in 1986, with my best friend and author of Ranch Dog, A Tribute to the Working Dog in the American West, Marianne Murdock (Picture at left, Marianne, Fred, me on annual trip to NM).  I started working for the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic in Prescott, Arizona as a CD therapist.  Later I managed the CD programming, inpatient and outpatient services.  For a year I also managed the Crisis and Children's Programs.  In 1995, I was awarded the Ernie Siegfried Award for significant contributions to the mental health field. 

The year 1996, brought a serious illness that eventually caused me to quit working and go on disability.  As a result I learned to slow down and smell the roses!  My occupations are quieter now, but there is plenty to fill life to the brim . . . My family, my friends, my animals, my faith.

I have a BA in Human Services and an MA in Organizational Management. 

In earlier years, I ran a quality control lab in an orange juice factory (now that was an interesting job!!); receptionist, detox counselor, aide in a local hospital; assistant manager of a loan company; grill girl for KFC; and owned my own janitorial company.  Yes, I am a jack of all trades!!