I am the owner, publisher, and editor of Our Broomfield magazine. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend of Broomfield. I have lived in Broomfield my entire life. My Mother’s parents were early business owners here in the 1960s and my parents moved here to raise a family in 1970 when my Dad was working at IBM. I grew up in the Miramonte neighborhood and went to Kohl Elementary. Later we were among the first families to live in Eagle Trace. I attended Broomfield High School where I met my now husband Pat. There I was an active student, very involved with the school newspaper and as a cheerleader. I also wrote for the Enterprise as a student reporter. After we got married, Pat and I could not imagine raising our family anywhere else. We bought a home and raised our two daughters here. We feel so fortunate to have passed through several phases of life with lifelong friends and business and organizations that are dear to us. I have been part of publishing and non-profits in Broomfield for most of my adult life. Today, I am honored to still call Broomfield home and to help connect the community each month with our magazine, Our Broomfield.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Pat teaches 5th grade at Aspen Creek K-8. Our daughter Allison is a high school English teacher in Frederick. Our daughter Megan lives in Houston with her husband Dylan where she works in financial services. Megan and Dylan welcomed our first grandchild Simon just this summer! The whole family helps with the magazine.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked in publishing, journalism, and communications my entire life. I have always fancied myself a writer and yup … there is a novel stirring around inside me, hopefully emerging soon. Our Broomfield is my passion because I love this town and I love connecting people and businesses here – especially highlighting our many non-profits. I also have a “day job” working in business development and communications at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden which is also extremely fulfilling. I am one of the lucky ones. The saying is true: “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
3 Margaritas, Northside Tavern, Frolic
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in Broomfield my whole life! Just on the other side of 50 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There is only one answer to this question. Mr. Broomfield. That’s Mr. Paul Derda if you do not know. I have known him since I was a child through City activities and Nativity of Our Lord Parish and I am thankful to call him a friend.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Mad Men is the greatest creation of television of all time. I am embarrassed to say how many times I have rewatched the full catalog.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
There is a solution to most things. Take a deep breath and figure it out. Also, hard work, loyalty, and integrity will pay off. What you put out into the world will come back to you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
It is not really a business but most of my nostalgia is firmly planted at Broomfield High School. I had a great teenage experience and BHS was a key part of that.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Robert DeNiro. Scalzotto’s. I think he would like it.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Broomfield is so beautiful. Our parks and open spaces are breathtaking. During Covid, I found peace walking our many, many trails, and I felt lucky to be cocooned here in that beauty.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be still publishing Our Broomfield but maybe working a little less and volunteering a little more. I hope to have ample free time to spend in fun activities with my husband, kids, and grandkids.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
It is not a secret, but my hobby is ballroom dancing. I love it for its beauty and that it is challenging mentally and physically. I spend a LOT of time in front of a computer. When I dance I can completely detach.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Broomfield’s many summer flower gardens.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I have always wanted my parents to be proud of me. They are, and they have always been my greatest supporters.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Serenity. Happiness.
