Where I Came From

My parents came to America after the Holocaust.

They bought a poultry farm in Mt. Clemens, MI., where I was born. The chickens, ducks, and geese were my playmates while my brother helped out. Then, they sold the farm and moved us to Detroit, MI and then Oak Park, MI. I attended Detroit, and then Oak Park, public schools.

My father was a blue collar worker and my mother was a stay at home parent involved with our schools and after school activities. We were raised to learn how to be self sufficient, by working at young ages.  I was 11 with steady weekend babysitting jobs, and full time summer babysitting jobs.  Learning how to budget my money, not wasting it.  This went on through High School where I attended school a full day and worked afterwards.

Why I am Fighting

My parents couldn’t afford college for us, so working and paying for a college education was necessary. I paid for my community college classes, books and any supplies needed all while working at McDonald’s.

Later, after marriage, I moved my children to Topeka, KS for a better opportunity in education and life.  One of my children was born Legally Blind, and this was unfamiliar territory for not only me, but with the school system.

Education & Work Experience

Unexpected back surgery turned into an opportunity to finish my college education.  A program helped send me to Washburn University, where I obtained my Associates Degree in Restaurant & Food Service Management.

My internship was with the Topeka Public School Food Program.  Learning how they developed their menu, food ordering, costs, and implementations.

Job Experience

Restaurant Management, Specialty Diets for Skilled Care, Catering & Event planning

USDA Consumer Safety Inspector:

Organic and non organic – Meat & Poultry Inspection Services, Hogs, Turkeys, Chicken.

Developing Standard Sanitation Operations Procedures (SSOP) for select Raw/Ready to Eat processing plants, involved with food safety contaminates and Listeria problems.