Virginia roots, Southern grit, and PhD wit pretty much sum me up. I’m a native Virginian with a firm handshake and just enough Southern charm to get the job done right — sometimes twice, for good measure. My husband of 32 years, Clay, spent 12 years with the Virginia State Police and 23 in the U.S. Army, including three combat deployments. While he was overseas serving, I earned a master’s degree and a PhD from Virginia Tech — because I don’t do idle very well. If nothing else, our story proves I’m committed — and fully capable of navigating both military life and the occasional strategic retreat.

I spent more than two decades as a teacher and university professor, conducting research and publishing in academic journals on teacher identity and the impact of positive teacher-student relationships. I’ve mastered patience and a strong “teacher look” with occasional sarcasm.

As a licensed real estate agent exclusively with Properties of The Villages, one of my favorite parts of this role is helping people discover the lifestyle that makes this community so special — and over the years, many of my clients have become cherished friends. Clay hung up his uniform years ago and now proudly serves as my biggest cheerleader and full-time sidekick in this adventure.

We’ve called The Villages home for five years now, along with our loveable Labradoodle, DJ, and our feisty Yorkie, Bailee. Our daughter, Kaila — a pickleball enthusiast and FEMA team leader — visits often, always ready for a game and a good laugh on the golf car. When we’re not enjoying Villages life, we take our RV out as often as we can, exploring new places and collecting memories along the way.