Taking a much-needed detour on the amazing trip of life...

My career in the environmental science industry began when I was a teenager, working as an intern for my sister, Eileen, in a laboratory with environmental chemists 34 years ago.?The critically important science, and the wonderful people collecting and analyzing the data, hooked me fast and hard, and I’ve been on the environmental path ever since.

Over the past three decades, I’ve had some incredible educational and career experiences that have led me from one side of the country to the other … and back again (twice!) … attending schools on both coasts, and working for the government, several consulting firms, and industry.??Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the brightest, most passionate, and business savvy people.?As I scroll through my LinkedIn connections, I’m so grateful for the indelible impact many of you have had on my life: each interaction has undoubtedly shaped and influenced who I am today.

Those who know me, know that I’m from New England and it has always been my wish to move our family back to this part of the country. In an unbelievable twist of fate, this past summer, when we were on a camping trip, touring universities up the eastern seaboard with our four teenagers (including triplets who are graduating from high school in 2023), we were presented with an opportunity that made us immediately rethink our lives and geographic position while we were visiting the epic college town of Burlington, Vermont.?Within 96 hours, my husband, Charlie, and I found a new home in South Burlington – high school - scout troop - orthodontist - church - realtor to sell our Texas house… and I made the difficult decision to resign from my 20-year career at ExxonMobil.

As the primary breadwinner in our family, with no prospects lined up aside from working at the local ski resort or craft pub, this wasn’t entirely a “stress-free” choice.?It felt like I had let go of a trapeze mid-flight and was sailing through the air without a safety net.? Because we went away on vacation and unexpectedly never returned, the kids started high school from a tent since our new house wasn’t available yet … and we slept in sleeping bags for nearly 20 weeks before our belongings arrived from Texas.?It was (literally) a rocky start. But since then, two of our four children earned their Eagle Scout, including our daughter – who we understand, is the first female Eagle Scout in the State of Vermont. Our other two children are working on their Eagle rank, and all four kids are absolutely thriving socially, and academically, in this smaller environment.?We’ve also moved into our dream home with a yard full of apple trees, a short drive from local skiing.?One of the happiest developments during this radical season of change, is that I have joined the NewFields Environmental Forensics Practice out of Boston, and am absolutely honored to spend this part of my career working alongside a team of brilliant chemists, like those who inspired me to start on this environmental science path way back in 1987 at GTEL.??

So, what is the moral of our story?

• If we’ve learned anything during the pandemic – it’s that there are no guarantees.
• Life is precious and fleeting, we’ve only got one shot - enjoy it and live with no regrets.
• Pray and give abundant thanks for everything - the greatest gifts are often in disguise.
• Invest in your education and work experience - neither can be taken from you.
• Work hard and follow your heart - keep faith that with no risk, comes no reward.
• Believe in yourself and your people - diamonds are formed under pressure.
• Live simply and save every penny you can - you never know when you might need it.
• No one can do it alone* - be kind and strive to be on good terms with everyone.
• Scouting is a great program - the motto of “Be Prepared” is relevant at EVERY age!??
• If you ever need my technical support (or the support of the phenomenal NewFields team), you can find me at [email protected]

Happy holidays my friends, may the magical wonder of this season bring peace to your heart and soul, and may you create an abundance of wonderful memories with your loved ones!

(*Huge thanks to so many who have provided tremendous encouragement and support to me on this journey, including: Trent Key, Doug Blue, Harley Hopkins, Mike Hawthorne, Ted Healey, Eric Litman, Laurie McCarthy, Beth Zinkevicz, Margaret Hoverath, Janet Sandstrom, Mary Foley, and of course ... my Charlie. I appreciate you all so much!!)