Growing up, I wanted to be a cruise director and that led me to a career in travel (thank you Julie McCoy and the Love Boat!). Although I've never worked for a cruise line, I've enjoyed over 30 years in the travel industry with a niche in travel technology. In my career, I've worked with 6 online booking tools, numerous mid- and back-office products, negotiated and managed supplier contracts, managed quality control and product teams, as well as on- and off-shore call center operations. I love to strategize and implement better processes that create efficiencies for agency clients as well as negotiate effective contracts with partner suppliers.

Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been trying "snuba" in the Dominican, riding a roller coaster at sea on the inaugural for Carnival's Mardi Gras, swimming with sharks and stingrays in the Bahamas, and ziplining over snakes and alligators in Florida. My favorite trip thus far has been to Italy! The culture, scenery, and history is amazing but nothing beats the fresh authentic pasta, pizza, and gelato - yum!  Cruising is also a favorite of mine. It's the best way to see so many countries and islands on one vacation.  My bucket list includes Egypt, an African safari, and Singapore. Because I love the beach and flip flops, I've never been interested in traveling to Northern Europe or colder climates but have been influenced by movies and videos to expand my travels to see this beautiful part of the world someday.

Being from the Midwest, I get out and enjoy the short summer season as much as possible. I love spending time on our boat, playing on the Michigan sand dunes, and taking weekend road trips somewhere new. I love history, most genres of music, the movie series "Fast and Furious", and watching my granddaughters grow up. Like many tourists, I collect ornaments or salt and pepper shakers everywhere I travel. I would love to live on a Caribbean island and if I wasn't in the travel business I'd work at a holistic health spa.