The Church of the Open Word initially attracted me because the people who attended lived a Christian life, treating everyone with appreciation and love. The theology of the church appealed to me at a very deep level. Even as a 9-year-old going to the Baptist Church Summer Camp, it seemed to me that Catholics should have as good a chance at heaven as Baptists. How anyone could claim that good people of non-Christian religions who had never been exposed to Christ's teachings could be consigned to hell went completely beyond my understanding. Swedenborg's inclusive religious teachings seemed to be the correct message of a loving God.

My job as a professor involves teaching adults in a college program that provides many opportunities for them to transform themselves. I am Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences with a background in social psychology, psychophysiology and management. I am currently teaching some online courses which I find to be challenging but a great help since my traditional classes are 300 miles away in Chicago.

I am married since 1986, and have three small dogs. I enjoy music, dance and art. I have taken voice lessons and sung in various choirs since I was small. I enjoy drawing and watercolors. I am a fair weather gardener but don't mind doing work in our beautiful church gardens.