District 19 Management

Where Leaders Are Made

I am very excited and honored to serve as the District Director for District 19.

When I started my Toastmasters journey in Hagerstown, Maryland almost 20 years ago; I never thought I would seek out a leadership role in Toastmasters.  Like many of you, I just wanted a way to improve my ability to speak and give speeches. It was only through years of watching so many great leaders in this District that I came to want to focus more on my leadership development. These leaders showed me that in order to become a strong leader, you need to engage in deliberate daily practice – very much like how we become better speakers through giving speeches. As I engaged in this daily practice, I realized that there are a lot of people who want to tell others what to do; but few leaders. This began a passion for developing leaders around our District.

I have one daughter, Tami, who has brought to our family two beautiful grandsons. I also have a very obnoxious cat, Moby, who is climbing on my keyboard as I write this.

I have worked at Pearson for 18 years. One of the proudest moments in my career was being part of the team to help my customer launch the redesigned SAT assessment in 2016. That event was a true test of my ability to lead others. I credit our success on that rollout to my previous leadership practice in Toastmasters which had prepared for that leadership challenge.

My strategic goal is to help others in the District become the leader they want to be. No matter where you are starting from, this is the place where leaders are made.

“Catch the Fire” the sizzle that is District 19!!  How did you “Catch the Fire” for Toastmasters?  How will that impact your circle of influence?

Ralph Smedley, founder of Toastmasters, once stated “Mentoring and Evaluations create enthusiasm, and once you light that fire the only thing it needs is some kindling.”

When I was a teenager, I served as a Secretary alongside another fellow board member who was also a Toastmaster.  She helped our board conduct structured, efficient business meetings because she knew Parliamentary Procedure like the back of her hand. It had an enormous impact on me at a young age and was incredibly impressive.

I was impacted again when I was a college student preparing for interview questions.  I needed to have a respectable answer that would last no longer than 2 minutes for an auditorium full of people.  A panel of Toastmasters trained us and because of their help in preparation, I won the Interview Award!

10 years ago, an adult piano student of mine and I attended a community club.  I again was so impressed at the leadership and communication value, I joined!

This organization has hands down been the leading reason for the wonderful professional/personal development I have achieved as an adult.  They have been the kindling in my fire and know I, in turn, get to be others kindling, their encouragement.

I have been an Executive Office Manager for Stonefield Investment Advisory, Inc. for over a decade and a business owner/piano instructor for 30+ years.  Toastmasters continues to shape me into a better me, professionally.  My husband, Steve, our 2 daughters (Alexandra – 23 & Audrey – 21) know Toastmasters has made me a better me, personally.

I AM ON FIRE FOR DISTRICT 19!!

Together WE can keep the fires burning bright in District 19!

Get ready to thrive in your next or current opportunity.

It is not uncommon when folks are asked to speak in front of a group or lead at work to experience fear or stress. My great passion is to help make experiences such as these easier. I want to help you thrive when you are asked to speak or lead your next opportunity.

We understand that it is not a one size fits all approach works for everyone, and so we have a diverse makeup of clubs and programs that can help you become a better you.

My educational background includes a Masters in Business Administration at Mt Mercy University and a triple major at Coe College in Business Administration, Communication Studies and Public Relations. I have been passionate about growing and self-improving from my first day as a Toastmaster, I was also the Vice President of Education and now today I am the Club Growth Director. Let’s discuss how the Toastmasters program can help with confidence leading and communicating today!