What is it they say you do?
I am the IT Administrator for the Center. I plan IT strategy, build websites and applications, and manage the server infrastructure at CCFL.
Where do you hail from?
I grew up on a farm near Heartwell, Nebraska. For elementary school, I attended K-6 in Heartwell; then I went to middle school and high school in Minden. I spent two years at Mount Holyoke College in western Massachusetts, and I finished my undergraduate degree in computer science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Who are your early influences?
One of my greatest early influences was my Kindergarten and 4-6 grade teacher, Mrs. Mildred Karr. When I was in 4th grade, the school district bought two Apple IIe computers. Mrs. Karr said that she didn't know anything about computers, so we were given free rein to explore them. The only software we had was a tutorial that came with the computer, a typing program, and some “fundamentals of BASIC programming” cards. Using those items and some COMPUTE! magazines, I taught myself to type and to program.
What is your passion?
My passion is getting to the bottom of computer problems, both big and small. I love being able to show people simple things on their computers and smartphones that can make a huge difference in productivity. In the next five years, I hope to still be at CCFL but joined by a full complement of IT staff.
Family life/hobbies /community involvementll work, all play:
My husband, Aaron, works for Nebraska Public Power District. We have two girls: Emma, 13, and Grace, 8. Every year, I plant and grow a very large garden. I enjoy canning the fruits of the garden. Salsa and plum jelly are my specialties. I also enjoy SCUBA diving at Lake McConaughy and the Florida Keys when possible. I am on the school board of St. Luke's School in Ogallala, and I teach 7th grade Catholic faith formation.