Work: Engagement lead for Blue Zones Project SWFL. In my role, I connect local faith- based organizations, homeowners associations and individuals with the Blue Zones Project to help them increase their well-being while also helping to improve the health and vitality of the community at large.

Proudest Achievement: My loving, successful 23-year marriage and our healthy happy 19-year-old son. Family first, my job second. Being part of an organization that serves the community in such an important way has been the answer to the intention I set more than 20 years ago when I described my dream job and I manifested it.

Expectations for the future: To continue to be part of raising well-being in my SWFL community.

Favorite APP: Any app with guided meditations

Favorite websites: SouthwestFlorida.BlueZonesProject.com.

Local or global causes supported: Drug Free Collier, STARability, Big Brother Big Sister, Collier Coalition for Healthy Minds, David Lawrence Center, Meals of Hope, St. Matthews House.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: The vision Natural Awakenings had when first published—to provide the tools and resources for leading healthier lives—is now more important than ever. Natural approaches to health, well-being and sustainable living are in complete alignment with the work I do every day and Natural Awakenings has been sharing this in the community for nearly 28 years.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: There are so many now that we have Blue Zones Project-approved restaurants. From Mel’s Diner to the obvious Organically Twisted, there are too many to mention. Check out SouthwestFlorida.BlueZonesProject.com.

How you invest in your community: I am so blessed to have a job that allows me to invest in my community every day. I also believe my ability to connect and build relationships always produces opportunities to be of service to others, which I consider my best investment.

Favorite quote:

“Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.”

~ Reinhold Niebuhr

What you are doing to be the change you want to see in the world: Living one day at a time and always knowing that the most important work I do is to maintain spiritual fitness so I can be a power of example to my son first and to those around me.