I am so blessed to be able to make a living by helping others and their communities. Each day, I sit down and help people overcome financial concerns and obstacles. I also get to help my community with our fraternal programs and activities. It’s very rewarding to be able to do what I do.

Vermont and New Hampshire.

life insurance, annuities, mutual funds and variable annuities.

families planning for their long-term future, members who are nearing retirement, and older members who are concerned about their funds.

University of Vermont for my bachelor's and master's degrees.

the positive accolades I have received from long-term members, and the special DETERMINATION award.

was a publisher and sales person for agricultural magazines for 28 years. Before that, I was a quality-control manager for Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

my family, including my children, are all Modern Woodmen members, and we have been for years. The insurance business has always interested me and the reason I choose this organization because it gives back to the community in so many ways. I grew up in a small town and know how important community support is for rural areas.

sitting down with members and getting to know them personally and professionally. I enjoy hearing stories from our older members when they talk about growing up. I connect well with rural folks.

an 80-plus-year-old Vermont woman, who I met one time, wrote me from her winter home in Florida and praised me for being such a good representative and noted how well we bonded.

Another special moment was when a long-term member praised me for my attentive listening to them and their needs -- and for not displaying the characteristics of many in this industry who try to sell an agenda without really listening to the client.