First and foremost, I am the proud mother of two incredible grown children and their spouses: Zach and Anna, Peyton and Andrew. I am also Nonna to my granddaughter, McKinley, and my grandson, Augustus, who is expected in October 2026, and I am grateful to share my life with my longtime partner, Steven Bainbridge. As proud as I am of my work with the MDOC and CPOF, my greatest pride comes from my family, their accomplishments, growth, and journeys. Without their support, patience, and understanding, nothing else would have been possible. The sacrifices of a corrections family run deep, and I appreciate them all more than I can ever express. They are my heart and my world, and I cannot imagine these past several decades without them by my side.
My career with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) began in July 1993, when I was hired as an officer. In 1995, I began advancing through the ranks and went on to serve in several capacities, both in and out of uniform.
Over the course of my career, I held positions including:
· Sergeant
· Lieutenant
· Prisoner Counselor
· Institutional Training Officer
· Training Specialist
· Program Specialist, with a focus on Intimate Partner Violence, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Practices, Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACE, and Resilience
I joined the MDOC Honor Guard in 2015, and it became one of the most rewarding parts of my career. It was an appointment I took extremely seriously. I waited 22 years before applying because I understood the commitment the team required.
For many years, my career involved travel across the state of Michigan, and I was also a dedicated sports parent. I knew I could not give the team 100 percent of myself while also honoring those responsibilities. More importantly, I did not want to join knowing I could not serve MDOC families in the way they deserved. I waited until my children were grown, my travel was more manageable, and my head and heart were fully ready to serve.
During my time on the team, I was blessed to receive several honors, including:
· 2016 Herman Eleby Commitment Award
· 2020 Todd James Memorial Service Excellence Award
· 2023 Todd James Memorial Service Excellence Award
· Director’s Excellence Award
By the time I retired in 2025, I had participated in more than 300 Honor Guard details over 10 years—an accomplishment of which I am extremely proud. It was never about the awards or recognition; my proudest moments were the times I spent in my Honor Guard uniform. The families I met, lifelong friendships I formed and the families we created. Bonds that can never be broken.
In 2021, with encouragement of my Honor Guard friends from North Carolina, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, I attended my first CPOF Project 2000 event in Columbus, Ohio. I arrived alone, representing the MDOC without colors, rifles, or a detail—just me and my uniform.
The experience was life changing. I remember feeling in awe of everything around me. I felt proud, enlightened, overwhelmed, fulfilled, and empowered all at once, but more than anything, I felt hopeful and humble.
I returned home exhausted, yet eager for more. The embrace I felt from the CPOF family and Honor Guard teams was beyond words, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I did my best to share my CPOF experience and to get the MDOC involved and to serve its families through CPOF.
In 2022, I took what felt like a huge risk and interviewed for the CPOF Honor Guard. I will be honest—it was not my strongest interview. Even so, the team took a chance on me, and I am humbled beyond words to now be part of such an incredible organization and team.
The pride I feel in this organization, and in wearing the CPOF uniform, is immeasurable.