After graduation from high school in 1967, I entered Ball State University, completing my BS degree in Social Sciences in the fall of 1971.

I entered social work in 1971, for the Marion Co. Dept. of Public Welfare. I then worked for Methodist Hospital, where I was in medical Social Work in the intercity health care system until leaving for the Seminary in 1974. I began my graduate studies at Boston University School of Theology, and then came back to Indianapolis to be married. My first graduate degree from United Theological Seminary, a Master in Divinity, was completed in 1976.

In 1977, I was the first woman ordained as an elder in the former North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. My 30 year career in parish ministry included 3 congregations where I was senior pastor, as well as serving on most of the conference boards. In 2008, I was asked to serve on the conference staff of the Indiana Conference UMC as the development officer for the camping ministry from 2008 until my retirement in 2011.

In 2011 I moved to work for the Indiana United Methodist Foundation, and then as Director of Major Donors for United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio. I was also honored to do consulting work with several congregations within the United Methodist Church.

In 1979, I began my Doctoral studies at Christian Theological Seminary, teaching on the master’s level and doing my clinical training in Pastoral Care and Counseling. In 1991, Because of my family’s needs, I was allowed to move my Doctoral Studies to a degree in the Masters Track, (with over 60 hours of didactic study, and over 500 hours of clinical training), and graduated cum laude with a Masters in Sacred Theology in Pastoral Care and Counseling. This degree allowed me to become a licensed therapist, as well as a follow in the American Associate of Pastoral care and Counseling (AAPC), earn fellow status in the American Psychotherapy Associate (APA), and a licensed therapist in Indiana (LMHC).

In 2005 I began the course work at IUPUI to secure my credentials in fundraising. In 2012 I became aCertified Fundraising executive (CFRE).

I have served on the board of directors of Samaritan Counseling Center of Fort Wayne Indiana, the Community Advisory Board of Park View Hospital, the national advisory board of APA, and the board of Director of United Theological Seminary.

Since my retirement I have worked with United Theological Seminary as Director of Major Development, and since 2014 as an Ambassador to major donors in development for the seminary.

I am also employed as an ambassador to donor of United Theological Seminary.