Why I Work at Merry Lea: I’m here because I love learning about plants, birds and ecosystems and I want to spend the rest of my life advocating for their protection in one way or another.  Merry Lea is a place with visionary leadership and a fabulous staff. What’s not to like?

Educational Background: I graduated from Goshen College in 1983 with a B.A. in English Education. In 1990, I completed an M.Div. from Chicago Theological Seminary. In my former life, I’ve taught high school English, written Christian education curriculum, edited a medical journal and led worship and Christian Education activities at my church.

Questions that go with the job:

* What programs shall we offer in 2009?

1. *What are the best ways to market the opportunities Merry Lea offers?
   

2. *What role does nature play in a world of too much busyness and too many opportunities?
   

* What should be on the fall conference reading list?

1. *How can Mennonite Creation Care Network become a vibrant, growing organization that facilitates creative change?
   

2. *How can I use an overabundance of squash without guests noticing?
   

Come on a Walk with Me: Even at Merry Lea, it’s easy to stay glued to a computer and miss the natural beauty that makes this workplace so fulfilling. This year, I’ve decided to take a retreat day every month and walk the length of Merry Lea’s property (or most of it). Click here to come with me.

Merry Lea Recipes: Part of my job includes feeding people who come for public programs. Since we have an agroecology program here turning out fresh produce, I try to use home grown fruits and vegetables when possible. Click here for some of our favorite seasonal recipes.

Visit Mennonite Creation Care Network: Another part of my job includes serving on the Creation Care Council for the Mennonite Creation Care Network, and tending their website. Click here to learn more about MCCN.

Fun Books I’ve Read: I love to read natural history almost as much as experiencing it firsthand. Authors I've enjoyed include: Bill Bryson, Edwin Way Teale, David Quammen, Annie Dillard, Linda Hogan, Sara Stein, Thomas Pakenham and Oliver Sacks.

Fun Books I’ve Written:

Just Eating: Practicing Your Faith at the Table, leader’s guide and participant guide. A joint project of Advocate Health Care, Church World Service and Presbyterian Hunger Program, 2004.