What about dancing for Plymouth Housing excites you the most?

I’ve always wanted to do choreographed dance and would often imitate background dancers in videos. Now I can do it for a meaningful cause and raise money… I’m in!

When you’re not rehearsing for Seattle Dances, what do you like to do in your free time?

I would play golf every day if I could.

Where are you going to put your Mirror Ball Trophy when you win?

The Mirror Ball Trophy will go next to my 1^st place amateur golf trophy.

Everyone can take action to help end homelessness. What advice do you have for others who are looking for ways to help?

I have supported homelessness for the past five years, bringing resources (clothing, toiletries, hope) to homeless encampments. It has been humbling in so many ways. Experiencing someone else’s life, even for a moment, gave me an appreciation for what I have. One way to help is when we see homelessness, we don’t judge or neglect it but rather embrace and reach out. It may not be your mission to fight homelessness, so supporting an organization like Plymouth Housing is essential for those whose mission it is.

What do you wish more people knew about our mission?

You don’t have to go far to see our neighbors suffering. I wish more people knew about the root of homelessness and why the work of Plymouth Housing goes beyond the capacity of funding. I believe the real work is relational. We can agree stable housing is transformative and essential to basic needs. But, above that, it’s connection. Treating humans as people and connecting with them can completely reconstruct their lives to find new life with dignity.

What about dancing for Plymouth Housing excites you the most?

During the pandemic lockdown, I danced like no one was watching. Now, I want to dance like EVERYONE is watching! I have been a spectator and supporter of Plymouth Housing’s Seattle Dances for many years, and now is the time for me to take the stage.

When you’re not rehearsing for Seattle Dances, what do you like to do in your free time?

Squash is a big part of my life. I enjoy unleashing my competitive spirit and toning my glutes at the same time. The friendships and connections that I’ve formed from the squash community spark joy in my life. I also love expanding my world near and far, whether it be from traveling or volunteering at my son’s school.

Where are you going to put your Mirror Ball Trophy when you win?

The precious Mirror Ball Trophy will go on tour! I will use it to raise awareness and spark conversations about Plymouth Housing wherever it goes.

Everyone can take action to help end homelessness. What advice do you have for others who are looking for ways to help?

Everyone can be part of the solution to end homelessness, and your contributions can take many forms: you can support with your time, finances, connections, thoughtfulness, advocacy, and more. Every little bit adds up to create better lives for everyone.

What do you wish more people knew about our mission?

Plymouth Housing has had impressive outcomes from their mission of Housing First with wraparound supportive services, and work toward the goal for residents to rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind forever.

What about dancing for Plymouth Housing excites you the most?

I was raised in Rainier Valley and have lived in the Seattle area my entire life. I am honored to work with Plymouth Housing, a local non-profit, to help some of our most vulnerable community members, our neighbors experiencing homelessness. I strongly believe in the ripple effect that happens when we’re able to help one person or family, which then helps an entire community and generations to follow. It brings tears to my eyes when I think that I’ve been entrusted with this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who have been handed a more difficult path than my own.

When you’re not rehearsing for Seattle Dances, what do you like to do in your free time?

In addition to spending time with my family, which includes 2 active English Labs, I enjoy planning. Whether it be planning a party, trip, routine appointments, or my day – I love to plan. In a previous life, I think I was a calendar.

Where are you going to put your Mirror Ball Trophy when you win?

I will put it in my office, where it can be seen by my coaching clients during our Zoom appointments. I speak often during coaching calls about taking risks, letting go of the fear of judgment, and how much of a difference we can make in the world when we are not afraid to trust ourselves and show up as our unique selves. For me, the Mirror Ball Trophy represents all of this and more.

Everyone can take action to help end homelessness. What advice do you have for others who are looking for ways to help?

Carry a backpack of supplies. Amazon has backpacks and toiletry supplies in bulk, but savvy shoppers can find even more cost-effective ways to put one together. I began carrying backpacks in my car to give out at stoplights whenever I see a person on the side of the street who needs help. I began doing this after a conversation that I had with a friend for one of my books, Make Your Mess Your Message. The friend shared with me that her son battled drug addiction and had been experiencing homelessness for years. She reminded me that the person on the street is someone’s loved family member. Following my conversation with her, I started giving out these backpacks and have had some of the most amazing “stoplight conversations”. The beautiful smiles I’ve received are unforgettable.

What do you wish more people knew about our mission?

I wish people understood that Plymouth Housing is not helping a person or family experiencing homelessness in a vacuum: the work Plymouth is doing benefits our entire city and community.

What about dancing for Plymouth Housing excites you the most?

Data has shown when someone has a place to call home, their chances of leading a healthy life increase. I want to do all that I can to raise awareness and build support to address homelessness in the community.

When you’re not rehearsing for Seattle Dances, what do you like to do in your free time?

I cherish time with my family, and as a long-time Seattle resident, I love to spend time outdoors water skiing on Lake Washington, playing tennis, cheering on the Sounders and Seahawks, and traveling.

Where are you going to put your Mirror Ball Trophy when you win?

It will go on proud display in my office.

Everyone can take action to help end homelessness. What advice do you have for others who are looking for ways to help?

Homelessness is a complex, multi-faceted issue. But just because it’s a tough challenge to fix doesn’t mean we should stand still. If you want to help, find a way to dig in – whether it’s financial support, advocacy, corporate action, or donating time. Make a difference.

What do you wish more people knew about our mission?

More people should know the mission is working. Plymouth Housing is building hundreds of homes and providing crucial support services to help individuals get housing and improve their lives.

What about dancing for Plymouth Housing excites you the most?

Learning something new! I’ve always loved a new challenge, especially anything physically challenging. So this fall, when I found myself with the time and opportunity to do something this exciting that’s also a great for Plymouth, I really could NOT pass it up.

When you’re not rehearsing for Seattle Dances, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love to travel, make beautiful clothing, write, and play golf.  I also try to get out and hike a couple of times a week.  It’s easier in the summer, but lately I’ve realized that even a winter hiking routine boosts my mood, reminding me of how beautiful it is here in the PNW year-round.

Where are you going to put your Mirror Ball Trophy when you win?

Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that! Upon reflection (ha-ha) I’ll probably put it on the display case in our family room. A very prominent position among family photos.

Everyone can take action to help end homelessness. What advice do you have for others who are looking for ways to help?

Anything helps, but obviously financial support gives us the most flexibility to use it where the need is greatest, so if you’d like to donate financially, you can vote for me by clicking the button at the top.

Another great way to help is to donate specific supplies that our residents need. If you have the time and energy, and want to get your friends and co-workers involved, you can also organize a supply drive.

Head over to the plymouthhousing.org website under “How You Can Help” and choose the option that makes sense for you.

What do you wish people knew about our mission?

I wish people knew that, in spite of the alarming headlines, photos, and news stories, the Seattle/King County community is generally in agreement that housing is the solution for ending homelessness. Permanent Supportive Housing (what we do) is the right solution for those who experience chronic homelessness.