Let’s not go all the way back to a warm July morning when I entered the world—although it was probably lovely. 😉
Instead, let’s start seven years ago, when I made a big decision: to step away from a 20+ year career in banking. Starting at the age of 19, I literally grew up in banking. It became steady, it was familiar—but life had a way of showing me that “familiar” isn’t the same as “fulfilling.”
Our daughter Hailey was about a little over one year old, and my husband, Jerry, had just been diagnosed with stage 3 Lymphoma. Thankfully, after a tough road of treatments and challenges, he is now fourteen years cancer-free. Around that same time, I experienced a takeover robbery—something that, in hindsight, feels like a scene from a movie. That moment changed everything. While in those moments, I discovered a strength in myself I did not know I had (cliche but true), but work was no longer a safe place, so I transitioned to a corporate banking role.
The move offered stability and a sense of safety, but it also brought disconnection. It didn’t take long to realize that while I had changed my environment, I hadn’t changed what mattered most—how I felt. It was soul-crushing work, and I found myself wondering: Is this really how I want to spend my time?
The answer was no. I had been, again a bit clichély, shown, life is too short—and too precious—to spend doing something that doesn’t bring purpose. I didn’t follow my original dream of becoming an early childhood or special education teacher, but as I reflect through the Staff PDP, I see that I’ve still found my way into meaningful work. I’m part of something good. I’m growing. I’m helping EPS grow, too—just in my own way.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to Hailey (15) and Tyler (11). Much of my time is spent supporting and encouraging their interests, driving to practices, attending events, watching videos they have created, and simply being present and a listening ear, as they figure out who they are and who they want to become. Jerry also found his way—he left banking, went back to school, and pursued his dream job of being in IT, and now manages the databases and servers team at King County IT. I’m proud of him for taking that leap, and proud of us for navigating so many changes together.
I cherish all my roles in life and would not do it any other way, but in all the roles I play—mom, wife, colleague, friend, and cheerleader—I realized I’d started to lose touch with me. My interests, my goals, even my sense of identity beyond what I do for others. That’s why the opportunity to participate in the Staff PDP felt so important. It gave me space (and let’s be honest—accountability!) to pause, reflect, and refocus.
I’ll admit it: I overestimated my ability to prioritize time for myself. If it hadn’t been for the encouragement and support of my incredible PDP facilitator, Derek, and PDP team, Tina, Randi, Cassidy, and Cheryl, who I did not want to disappoint, we might not have made it to this point. Did I do it for the “right” reasons? Maybe not entirely, but I did it. And while I didn’t check every box I initially aimed for, I learned a lot about myself and the way I am inspired by those around me, and the impact I have on others. That, to me, is a success worth celebrating.
So here I am—still learning, still growing, still showing up with purpose and hope.
I am excited to share my PDP journey with you, so let’s go!