Pastor Wilbur Thomas has graciously invited me to share some exciting news with you.  In January 2011, I am heading to Bolivia as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner!

Many of you may know me from our parish. I hope you know just how meaningful this commitment will be for me and for the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Parish.  I am very dedicated to our Catholic faith, and have been sharing the joy of knowing Christ's love through my work here in Asheville.

I most recently worked as an Aging Services Specialist at the Council on Aging of Buncombe County where I coordinated resources for low-income seniors, advocated for their needs, provided Medicare counseling, conducted home visits and facilitated a support group for adult children caring for aging parents with dementia.   I have worked as a special education mediator, adjunct university instructor in special education, hospice bereavement counselor, advocate for persons with disabilities, and preschool special education teacher.  I've very much enjoyed offering my skills as a volunteer with my parishes over the years by helping to coordinate activities and ministries for persons with disabilities and working with other volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith House.  I've also benefited from and given volunteer hours to Casting for Recovery, a nonprofit organization that offers that offers fly fishing retreats for breast cancer patients and survivors.