#1—What brought you to Emma Willard School?

Emma Willard has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom (Linda Glazer Toohey) was a boarder who graduated as part of the Class of 1966. When I was a kid, she also served on the Board and I used to head to Emma several times a year, so current students would babysit my sister (Elizabeth Toohey Gardner ’03) and me during her board meetings.

When the time came for me to apply to Emma as a freshman I didn't hesitate for a moment. The campus always seemed so magical to me and it was certainly my hope that someday I would be able to attend as a student.

After graduating, I remained involved in reunion planning, served on the Bicentennial Committee as one of the "tri-chairs," and had the great privilege of getting involved on the Board in 2018, beginning my term as Board Chair last year.

I gained more from Emma Willard than I will ever be able to repay and it is such a gift to me to have the opportunity to serve the students of today and the future in this way!

#2—What is a typical day-in-the-life like for you?

Ever-changing, purpose-driven, fun, and busy!

I am an early riser and typically start my days around 4:30 a.m. with a large cup of coffee (my first of the day). The early hours give me time to go to Pilates class, catch up on work, and take care of family items (booking summer camps and playdates, paying bills, making travel plans, etc.).

I find that I feel my best when I am busy, so I keep myself quite busy. I am a parent to two kids ages 5 and 8, professionally serve as the President & CEO of Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO), serve on the Boards of Emma Willard School and the Children's Museum of Denver, and I am actively involved at my kids' school. Whenever possible, I also love to read, go out to restaurants, and travel anywhere and everywhere. 

I have been with SOCO for 11 years and it is a job that I find deeply rewarding. I spend a great deal of my days in meetings, internally and externally, but I gain energy from the work that we are doing and the people I am around, so the days fly by.

There is also much to be done in my role at Emma Willard so there is usually not a week (or day) that goes by that doesn't involve some type of Emma Willard check-in, whether it be connecting with Head of School Jenny Rao, attending a committee meeting, or connecting with a fellow volunteer or alum.

After work, my husband and I usually divide and conquer shuffling kids to after school activities and sports. We eat dinner, read books, and I spend a bit more time working at my computer before reading a book and heading to bed around 10:30 p.m.

#3—What is one thing about serving as Board Chair at Emma that would surprise people?

This may not come as a huge surprise, but there are many moving parts at Emma Willard School ranging from big to small. While the Board of Trustees' focus remains long-range and strategic, understanding the school’s inner workings is vital for effective partnership and decision-making.

The success of the Board hinges on successful collaboration and partnership with each other and the school’s Administrative Team. Each trustee brings not only their passion but also their knowledge, resources, and experiences, which collectively enrich the Board and Emma Willard.

Serving as a member of the Board of Trustees takes a great deal of time and commitment, but it is work that I enjoy and find rewarding as I learn something new after every interaction with the Trustees and Administrative Team, who I can confidently say are the best of the best.

#4—What is your favorite space, place, or tradition on the Emma campus?

Revels, of course! I played the role of Jack Finney (the same role my mom played), but you never ever forget how electric Kiggins felt as you walked through those doors. May Day and Ring Week are also favorites, but as I think back, what I remember most is hanging out in the Day Student Lounge talking for hours with my friends, people who are still some of my best friends today!