MSU Extension Oakland County Extension Office

I am the definition of pure Michigan. I was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. My father was a plant manager for Fisher Body/GM for over 20 years. I have worked since the age of 11 as a caddie at a private country club. I grew up on the golf course and eventually worked inside during the fall and winter months bussing tables to hostessing. My college education at MSU was paid for by the Carl Knaack Jr. Foundation, which was a private foundation through the membership.

I graduated from MSU in 1990 with a degree in Advertising. I was hired by a member from the Country Club to work in his small, neighborhood grocery store. I was trained and worked in all departments. In 1999, I was recruited by a deli distributor to train customer service to deli associates carrying the brand.

In 1995, I married a chef. He created a spice blend for seasoning meat during his hours in the kitchens. We used the blend for inexpensive gifts. Family members suggested that we start packaging it and selling it through local channels through out the metropolitan Detroit area.

In the fall of 2005, I learned of the MSU Product Center through a "Buy Michigan Products" event in Lansing, and became a client soon after in 2006.

In 2009, I was offered a 10 hour a week position counseling other Michigan agricultural entreprenuers in and around Livingston and Oakland counties.

In 2012, I was increased to 19 hours a week position. My territory grew to cover parts of Ingham, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.

In 2016, I received the MSU Product Center's Counselor of the Year award at the annual Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show. I was acknowledged for my work with clients and relationships built.

On December 1, I began my new role as an MSU Extension Educator.