What do you do at NDSC?
In my role as a Safety Consultant, I assist organizations in developing the necessary tools to build an effective safety program. My goal is to increase safety awareness through consulting services and training. I aim to improve the safety and wellbeing of those I encounter on the jobsite, in the office, or at home.

I have worked in the safety industry since 2006 when I was asked by my employer to “figure out this safety thing”. My educational background in Human Resource Management and Occupational Health and Safety allowed me to turn an interest into a passion and a passion to evolve into a career. With a love for learning I continue to learn and grow whenever the opportunity arises with the hope of passing that knowledge, and hopefully a little bit of love for the safety industry, on to others. With my family working in the trade industries, safety isn’t just a job to me… it’s personal. I want to help you to find those personal connections to help your loved ones make it home at the end of the day as well.

Why is NDSC’s mission to prevent injuries and save lives important to you?
What would be waiting for you at the end of the day if you didn’t return home? That’s what makes the NDSC mission important to me. It’s all about the people and their families, friends, and those that depend on them to walk through the door at the end of the day. I have seen the impact of someone not returning home. If I can do something to increase the understanding of how important safety is, thereby increasing the odds of them making it home, we will all succeed in that mission.

What are your hobbies?
I love hiking, hunting, fishing, and just enjoying the outdoors. I’m fortunate to have a very outdoor-focused family, so we spend as much time outdoors as we can.

I also really love creating things. Whether it’s by sewing, painting, crafting, or taking on a new DIY project, the process of taking something and turning it into something else is something I truly enjoy.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Ireland or Germany one day. I also love the mountains and take every opportunity to disappear off the grid for some hiking and recharging when I can. That’s truly my happy place.

Favorite singer/band/song?
I love music so much I can’t imagine having to choose a favorite. I love everything from the symphony to Ozzfest, Journey to Disturbed, Frank Sinatra to Tyler Childers, Abba to Eminem, and everything in between. I am absolutely horrible at music trivia but love and retain song lyrics.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The lack of kindness and empathy that exists in our world. A little more of both would go a long way for us all.

Biggest pet peeve?
Whistling. It’s worse than nails on a chalkboard. I’m not a fan.

What animal most closely matches your personality?
I would say a lioness. They rely heavily on teamwork, are fiercely protective of their family and cubs, they’re hardworking and fearless, but also love being lazy when the opportunity arises.

What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness?
My answer for both is the same. Stubbornness, which I happen to come from honestly. In fact, I can look at our family tree and tell you who on the branches it passed from.

While it can be a major weakness, it has also provided me with persistence and drive to accomplish things, despite roadblocks that others may consider stopping points.

What store would you pick to max out your credit card?

Scheels! I could likely max out a couple credit cards in that store with little effort.

Who would play you in a movie?
I would say either Melissa McCarthy or a circa 1990s Andie MacDowell.

If you were a superhero, what would your powers be?
Mindreading. I sure don’t have that now, and it would be helpful some days.

What is your favorite movie, book and TV show?
I love to read, but prefer books with several in a series if possible, so I don’t have to let go of my favorite characters too soon. I particularly love books on World War II such as ‘The Mascot’ by Mark Kurzem or ‘The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line’ by Major General Mari K. Eder US Army (Ret.).