Amy Haloskey: former student.
Amy was a student in my Art 1 class during my second year of teaching. Before her, I viewed student-teacher relationships very differently. She helped me to see that connections can be genuine and deep even in a school setting. She truly made me a better teacher. I am happy she is still a part of my life and am very proud of the woman she is becoming. 
Just for you, Amy: Be a beauty. Not a beast.

Mrs. K (Denise Kuykendall): mentor.
I’ve known Mrs. K for over 12 years. A psychic once told her that she would always have a house full of people. The psychic was right. Mrs. K will welcome anyone into her home, cook them a meal, then send them home with leftovers. She is extremely nurturing and motherly. This is what I’ve taken from her. I always welcome the chance to invite others to my table. You never know where that moment can take you…or them.

Denise Allen: friend.
Denise and I have been friends and partners in event planning for several years. She is a true friend who is genuinely excited about life…and she’s not afraid to jump up and down and express it with 47289 exclamation points! (!) Denise believed in my ideas when they were only passing thoughts…she helped see them through. I’m so happy to have a motivated, ambitious friend like her.

Ben Fraits: my main squeeze.
I met Ben at the Fairfield Center’s Valley Plane Pull. It’s funny to think we went to high school together, walked the same halls and never knew each other existed until 12 years later. Ben’s creativity is inspiring. He has taught me to trust again and to let myself be loved…and for that, I am thankful.
Just for you, Ben: 9:30 and 70 degrees…oh and, dachoo. (!)