I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When I was 10 years old, my dad was transferred to Houston, and I moved to Austin 1997. Though I spent the first 10 years of my life in Milwaukee, I think I’ve earned the right to be called a Texan!

I married John Torkelson in 2001. We have two children: John Evan is 10 years old and is in the 5th grade, and Lily is 7 years old and is in the first grade.

I have been a veterinary technician and a bus driver. In my adult life prior to having children, I worked as an auto claim rep and manager for State Farm Insurance. Just recently, I’ve started substitute teaching and working as a clothing stylist with Stitch Fix.

I may wake up in the morning and not feel like working out, but I know that if I go workout for that hour or 45 minutes, I’ll leave with a smile on my face that will last all day.

When I was a freshman at Texas A&M, I had a problem with my schedule and called my mom. She was very firm and said I needed to speak up for myself and get the problem resolved. She flipped the switch in my brain that told me I was an adult now and whatever happened to me was up to me alone. I’ve never had a problem speaking up after that. Just ask my friends!

The iGnite trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in July! One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself is sign up for the Bend, Oregon trip last summer. There was no question that I was going to go to Idaho this year.

A pair of Mary Jane’s. They are classic and go with everything!