A Closer Look With…

What’s your current role at Capitol Services?
I am our correspondent coordinator and a client service representative. I have been in the industry for almost 17 years cumulatively; I have previously been an operations manager for a smaller firm, as well as a publications manager, and have done everything from sales to accounting, UCC to annual report management, and — my favorite — corporate work. I have served on the board of directors for the National Public Records Research Association (NPRRA) for the past 4 years, the last 2 of which I have been president. I am starting to feel like an old-timer in the industry!

On my first day at Capitol Services, I will never forget…
How welcoming everyone was and really remains to be, still today. As I am still relatively new to Capitol, I am still meeting and interacting with our team. It is a very warm and welcoming work environment.

Which do you like more: a really good book or a great movie?
I love a good book that I can’t put down. A movie is wonderful, but the picture story in your mind’s eye from a good book can’t be topped.

If you could have anything named after you, what would it be?
I’ve recently grown to appreciate gemstones courtesy of my partner, who has an eye for them, and he has turned me into a “gem head”! I’d love to have a beautiful gemstone named after me.

What was your first role with Capitol Services?
My first role with Capitol Services was as a CSR in the Corporate Department.

What’s the most important thing you ever forgot?
The time of birth of my daughter. I know, shame on me, but I had to go back to her birth certificate when she asked!

What is your perfect weekend getaway?
My perfect weekend getaway is filled with nature, but also the creature comforts I have become accustomed to as I’ve gotten older. I used to love to camp, and primitive camp at that, but now I am more of a glamping-type and will not be upset if there is a spa nearby.

What 3 things would you never do on vacation?
I don’t know if it is just on vacation, but I won’t skydive, base jump, nor bungee jump. Basically, I am just not an extreme sports sort at this point in life.

What instance did you not take “no” for an answer?
I have sat with this one for a few days and it is a really hard question to answer. I know for me, I will not take “no” for an answer when advocating for my family health, nor my own, if I am feeling like the answers are just not adding up. We have to be our own best advocates in this world, especially when it comes to our health.

Would you rather be hated or forgotten?
This, too, is a really hard questions. Can I say neither? All kidding aside, as long as I am remembered by family and close friends, I think that is the best that one can wish for.

What’s the earliest memory you have of your childhood?
My earliest memory of childhood is having my neighbors call me and come down to compliment my Front Porch Concert Series, LOL. I grew up in a lovely area of upstate New York where we had some space in between our homes and the sound carried nicely. I was a big fan of Linda Ronstadt in those days and I would belt out her songs on my parents front porch and treat my neighbors in the summer months. I did this for a number of years and they all loved it, or at least lied and said they did, and my mom in particular adored it. Even now, I am smiling thinking of the smile on her face while listening to me.

Who can you impersonate really well?
Fran Drescher, AKA The Nanny! You can take the girl out of NY, but you can’t take the NY out of the girl!

What makes a party boring?
Crummy music and mundane conversation. At least let there be good music if the conversation is not so great.

Is there a role in life you feel very honored to have?
Being a mom to my amazing daughter. She is 21 years old now and I look at her, how exciting her future is, what a really awesome person she is, and I can’t help by beam with pride.

What was your first job?
My first job was working at a specialty clothing store. I was 100% not loving that job and only lasted two weeks.

What traffic laws or moving violations do you always seem to break?
I may have a bit of a lead foot and a long commute. You can figure out the rest.

What celebrity chef would you want to cater your dinner party?
This is another really hard one for me. I love cooking shows, books, etc. I would have loved Anthony Bourdain to have catered a dinner party for me when he was alive just so that I could hopefully have conversation and hang out with him after it was over. I loved his love for food, travel, and the experiences he shared with us that got to read his books and watch his series. It was a sad day when he left us.

If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say?
Don’t wait for things to happen for you, make them happen. If you are not happy with the trajectory of your life, change the trajectory. You are the only one that can steer your life in the direction that feeds your soul, so grab the wheel and own it!

What sound relaxes you?
The sounds of rain, Debussy, and that text at the end of the day from my daughter to let me know she is home safe and sound.

What celebrity do you think is a positive role model for kids today?
I really don’t pay very close attention to celebrities other than for their entertainment purposes.

If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
Ha, this question! I am going to say a Spicy Meatball! I’m Italian.

Have you ever rescued anyone or anything?
Yes, I currently live with a wonderful kitty name Smudge that I rescued from storm drain on the side of I10. He was just a baby. I have also worked with a few animal rescues over the years and am a large supporter of animal rescues.

How would you describe social media with one word or phrase?
A blessing and a curse.