About Me

For those of you new to my Substack, here’s a little bit more about me!

I own Michigan Girl, a company that brings women together in the Traverse City, Mi., area! Events include an annual Chicago road trip, a Mackinac Island Getaway, a MiGirl Bike (and Hike!) Club and the annual MiGirl Mom (WINE!) Walk, which raises funds for breast health.

Writer & Editor

I have been published in Writer’s Digest, Motherwell, Literary Mama and others. As well as regional publications such as Traverse Magazine, Traverse City Business News, The Ticker, Mountain Life, Families First, The Traverse City Record-Eagle and more. I published the regional women’s publication, Grand Traverse Woman, in Northern Michigan for 18 years. You can read my writing samples here. 

Awards & Causes

I am a Cherry Festival Foundation Board member, Cherry Capital Cycling Club member, NMMBA member, Michigan Writers member, Traverse Connect member, AuSable Canoe Marathon sponsor and Munson Foundation donor. For eight years, I was recognized in the top 40Under40 list by the Traverse City Business News for my work in giving women a forum in the community. Until I got too old, LOL! I love our community!

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Women’s Events, TV & Radio

I have also hosted women’s network nights and luncheons for the past 2 decades. Over the course of the last 18 years, I have hosted over 9,000 women at networking events, carted 16 busloads of women to Chicago for annual girls weekends and kept innumerable secrets.

I’m also a regular guest on TV and radio programs, speaking about (funny & frank) issues concerning women.

In a Nutshell

I have two dogs, a Mac and a mountain bike. I am married to Tim, a guy who’s good with a hammer and owns Chapple Homes – and have two sons, Kendall and Nelson. When the sun is shining (or not), I’m out mountain biking on the gorgeous trails and enjoying all things “Michigan Girl’!