Tell me how you first became involved with Cedar Lake.
My brother Dan has severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our parents came up from Georgia to tour Cedar Lake Lodge as a possibility for Dan to live there. Prior to that, I knew Cedar Lake as a pickup service, but didn’t know the full extent of the organization or the mission. We needed a place for Dan to live, so we immediately put him on the waiting list. After the tour of Cedar Lake Lodge, Chris Stevenson invited my dad and I to lunch and then I was asked to serve on the board. I have loved getting engaged with so many aspects of our operations and getting to know more of the staff and residents. Since that time he has been admitted to the Lodge and it has truly been a life-changing experience for him and our family.
How long have you served on the Board of Directors?
This is my 5th year serving. I am the Chairman of the Cedar Lake Foundation Board.
Tell me a little bit about yourself: family, job, hobbies, etc.
I originally moved to Louisville to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care. My entire career has been in therapy and addiction and mental health treatment. I moved into the management side of things in the addiction, substance abuse and psychiatric field and serve as a Vice President of the largest Opioid treatment company in North America. My husband is also in the field and owns his own Clinical therapy practice. I’m a huge connector and love networking with others. This is also why I love my board work at CL.
We have 3 adult children – my stepson, Taylor is married and lives in Salt Lake City with his wife. He has recently launched a second career as an engineer and she is a pharmacist. My stepdaughter Meredith has her Masters in HR from UofL and works in Louisville. Jack is the youngest and will graduate in December 2024 from UK with a major in environmental science. He will then go on to pursue a Master’s /PhD with the goal of teaching at the Collegiate level. We are proud owners of what we call “the zoo” – with 2 dogs and 2 cats at our house and all of our kids having pets as well, so we spend a lot of time sharing stories and pictures and videos of “the zoo” with each other. I travel on business most weeks so I love using my frequent flier miles to travel with my family and also love to decorate, paint and garden.
What is your favorite memory of your time with Cedar Lake?
At the Annual Meeting one year, the Jericho Award was given to a Cedar Lake staff member who took an individual that’s supported through Cedar Lake Residences on a weeklong vacation to visit a series of towns with significant weather events. The resident loves weather and learning about weather events. The fact that this administrative staff member went above and beyond was so touching. Since my brother has now become a resident, I am constantly amazed at the creative things they do with the residents – and the level of engagement with the staff to create such delightful memories. Following them on social media is always such a joy to see all the pictures and videos – from field trips to Special Olympics, to outdoor activities like water games in the summer, it is a joy to see them living their best lives.
What’s your favorite annual event?
The Annual Meeting is my favorite where the Jericho Friend Award is given out. Since my brother became a resident I would have to add the Christmas open house and the Halloween event – it is all so creative!
Anything else you’d like to share?
An organization’s mission is important to me on a personal level. I have the business acumen and connections to bring to the Board, but the mission of Cedar Lake is what is important to me while serving in this role. You can tell that the mission is important and upheld at Cedar Lake.
My parents decided to move to Louisville because of Cedar Lake Lodge and the level of care that we were hoping my brother would be able to have. My mother passed away from cancer a year ago, and the comfort of knowing Dan was placed and living his best life at the Lodge, gave her comfort beyond measure.
