My journey has not been a particularly linear path. Originally from Bemidji, Minnesota, I have lived in the Twin Cities for the past 4 years. I have my BFA in Music Theatre with minors in Dance and Arts Administration from Viterbo University’s Conservatory for the performing arts. Two days after graduation, I packed up my 2008 Toyota Corolla and moved to Minneapolis for a 6-month performer contract at Valleyfair, and I have been here and busy ever since!
Throughout my time as an entertainer and children’s performer, I began volunteering with various charities for children battling critical illness. I spent years performing, teaching art, and sharing creative outlets for pediatric patients with Make-a-Wish Minnesota, Ziggy’s Art Bus, Ronald McDonald House, and eventually, Crescent Cove, a residential pediatric hospice and respite care facility. Crescent Cove opened my eyes to existence of pediatric hospice and palliative care, which has a unique approach to care and celebrating the lives of children with life-limiting conditions. That is also where I began to really see that there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding care for children in hospice, and that a lack of understanding directly impacts the quality of life for children and their families.
That’s what led me to redeveloping my community service initiative to Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness. While I still love bringing arts, crafts, toys, and joy to children facing critical illness, I am also focusing on community education, access, and legislative advocacy. Palliative care programs need funding, need understanding, and these families need support as they go through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
My desire to support others is also what led to a pretty big shift in my life: my career and educational goals. I’ve taken a step away from performing, and I now work full-time at a law firm. My days are spent reviewing medical bills, drafting letters to insurance companies, and helping people navigate accessing the care they need. I love every minute of it. While I am sure to most, insurance administration sounds extremely dry, I find a lot of joy in helping others (and I’ll be honest, I’m kind of a dork about understanding the way medical billing works.) My long-term goals are a law degree, a career helping others, and an eventual run for legislative office.
When I have a rare moment of free time, you might find me studying for the LSAT, exploring the thrift shops of Minneapolis, baking up a storm, in a coffee shop reading (currently working on the third Game of Thrones book), taking an exercise class at the YMCA, sewing a new creation, or rewatching Project Runway. I also love to spend time with my friends, family, and my stray-cat-turned-rescue-BFF, Cosmo.
