Episcopal Church Women

Secretary of Christian Education

Originally from Walnut Cove, NC, I've lived in Raleigh all of my adult life. I obtained degrees in education from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA from Meredith College, and worked in the real estate and mortgage banking industry for over 25 years. In 2002 I assumed the post of Director of Operations for Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief non-profit organization headquartered in Raleigh. During my five years there I was fortunate to work with many ministries and organizations whose goal is to end world hunger, and I was able to travel to South Africa and Kenya to observe some of the programs Stop Hunger Now funded. In June 2007, I became manager of client services for Grubb & Ellis|Thomas Linderman Graham, a commercial real estate firm in Raleigh.

Since 1982 I've been a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where I have held a number of positions: Sunday School teacher for 4-year-olds for six years, as well as organist and chapel leader for the All Angels' (children's) chapel; Sunday School supervisor for two years; Stephen Minister and Stephen Minister Leader, Communications Committee member; member of a discernment committee; Vestry member from 2001-2003; developer of the original "Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts" class for the new member orientation program. Currently, I'm a member of the adult choir, hand bell choir and new Lay Pastoral Care group.

I have one child, a daughter Emily, who's a registered nurse at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.

Secretary of Missions

I'm married with a grown daughter and three adult stepchildren. My 5-year old granddaughter and I are very close since I helped care for her from the age of seven months to the time she started kindergarten. We did preschool, dance, gymnastics and ballet while her mom taught school. It's been an adjustment to let her take off to school! My career included 31 years in the Winston-Salem / Forsyth County School System as teacher (English), assistant principal in two high schools, director and assistant superintendent for curriculum and development, and elementary school principal. In my parish, St. Paul's in Winston-Salem, I have worked on our Welcome! Committee and with greeters; helped coordinate and decorate two apartments in our outreach center for families who have loved ones in a Winston-Salem hospital and can't afford lengthy hotel stays; served as ECW president, as the United Thank Offering Coordinator and on the Altar Guild; been active in the St. Anne's ECW circle; and helped start a funeral reception committee.

Chair of Greensboro Convocation ECW

Lives in Burlington; ECW president at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Burlington. Owner of barrettdesign events: events specialist, designer, speech writer, coordinator. Language arts, dance & theater educator. Theater director; past president Sacred Dance Guild, international faith-centered organization whose members seek to enrich their faith through movement and dance. Lecturer for "Building Community through Dance". Wife and mother.

Chair of Raleigh Convocation ECW

The year was 1995 when I moved from Southern California to Charlotte, North Carolina. With just my husband and 3-year old daughter, leaving family and friends behind, we started a new life on a different coast. Being a cradle Episcopalian, my first task was to seek out a new church home. I attended a service at St. John's. It felt like home! Then I was invited to an ECW meeting and have been involved with ECW ever since. It is my passion. It is the ministry that completes my purpose on this earth.

Besides leaving family and friends in California, I left behind a well established graphic design studio. I was completely focused on being a mom to my daughter, so for about five years I picked up "mom" jobs. Working at Harris Teeter or Something Classic Catering offered flexible schedules. But the desire to be my own boss once again raged within me. What to do?

I have a BA in Fine Arts and lots of business savvy. With my husband of 17 years, I created a retail store called Wide Shoe Warehouse. We are now the leaders in the specialty shoe market for wide, extra wide and large sizes. Established in 2001, we are due to open our fourth store this Fall. I have a great partner. Rick does the finances and I handle the media.

We moved to Wake County in 1999. In 2001, having attended another Episcopal church in the area for two years, I found my home at St. Michael's in Raleigh. I have been active in ECW activities at St. Michael's. I belong to the St. Margaret's Chapter and served on the board as treasurer for two years. Now with that position ending I am pleased to Chair the Raleigh Convocation ECW. I see good things ahead and look forward to serving on behalf of the greater Raleigh area.