How long have you served at Front Street UMC?
When I was 16 years old, I began working in the nursery on Sundays. I then began working at Front Street Afterschool and Summer Day Camp when I was 17 years old and continued for 11 years. I became the Director for the Babies’ Morning Out program in 2009. In 2018, I became the Director for Front Street Playschool as well!
What’s your favorite thing about working here?
One of my favorite things about my position is being able to get to know the children and develop a relationship their whole family! It is so fun to watch them learn and grow!
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you here?
Working with children tends to give you an endless amount of funny happenings! One of my favorite funny memories is when a little girl in the Afterschool program was convinced that Jackie Long (the building superintendent) name was actually “Jackie Line 1.” Jackie receives many calls while working and a receptionist would often come over the intercom and announce, “Jackie, Line 1” to alert him to a call that was on hold.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised right here in Burlington! My family and I have been members of Front Street UMC for 36 years!
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Williams High School in 2004. I graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2008 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child, Youth, and Family Development.
How many children do you have?
My husband and I have two sweet little girls! Ann Elizabeth is 8 years old and Catie is 2 years old.
Any pets?
My family and I have 2 dogs – Gibbs is a 4 year old pitbull that we got as a puppy for our oldest daughter and Hoss is a 7 year old mastiff mix that we adopted 2 years ago!
What is most important about your work at FSUMC? What drives you? What is your passion?
I love working with the children within the church and community. My passion is to help Front St. Playschool continue to provide a safe, positive, loving environment in which children have the opportunity to learn and grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
What two people have most influenced you?
Mrs. Barbara Long was and continues to be a major influence in my life and my work at Playschool and Babies’ Morning Out. She was the original director of Playschool and created the wonderful program that we have today! She is an inspiration to me and to the program.
What are your favorite books, movies or songs?
I enjoy all historical fiction books, but am especially drawn to the WWII era. The songs and movies that I find myself enjoying these days revolve around whatever my two girls are interested in at the time!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with my girls outdoors doing seasonal activities
If you didn't work at FSUMC what would your profession be?
This might be the hardest question for me to answer! I have been working at FSUMC in some capacity for my entire teenage and adult life. It is very difficult for me to imagine myself outside of the programs within this church, however, I am sure that whatever I did would include working with children.
What’s your favorite food?
I love both Japanese and Thai food!
Where do you like to vacation?
My family and I love going to Oak Island and enjoying the beach!
