Art has always been part of my life. My mom, also an artist, played a pivotal role in my journey. After my father passed, she traveled between my siblings and me, painting as she went. One day, she asked me to finish a kangaroo painting she had started but could no longer complete. When I told her I didn’t know how to paint, she simply said, "Try." That moment, about six years ago, changed everything.

     I worked as a registered nurse for many years, then moved into the dental field managing the business operations of a start-up dental practice. I followed my husband to Australia for his work and was able to find a job working for the same company as a property manager. Upon returning to the US, I continued working with that company as a Program Manager until a merger/acquisition resulted in my position being redundant. Best thing that ever happened (other than meeting my husband). Long story short, I ended up discovering that I have been blessed with the ability to watercolor paint and blend my photography skills perfectly. After all those years of "work", I discovered my passion...painting. 

     I now own my own business called LindenBrook Shoppe located in the Hershey Fresh Market. Everything in my store is my own artwork. My photography background complements my work beautifully. The skills I developed helped me digitize my paintings, turning them into prints, tea towels, coasters and more. Everything I’ve done—nursing, photography, even managing government contracts—has led me to this fulfilling chapter of blending art with community.

     We enjoy all that Hershey has to offer. There is always something to do. Go to a Bear's game, visit the Hershey Gardens (we go there a lot). We love eating at Hidden Still, Devon, The Mill, Soprano's...just to name a few. Of course, spending time at the Hershey Fresh Market is at the top of the list because my shop is there. All the vendors are wonderful!

     My husband and I just celebrated our 40th anniversary! It has been an amazing journey, and we both feel incredibly blessed. We have 4 grown children (3 boys and 1 girl), all who are married--three live in Northern Virginia and one in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. We have 3 grandchildren with a 4th on the way! Exciting times.

     We purchased our home from a family who loved Hershey, too. We promised them we wouldn't tear their home down--instead, we've painstakingly restored and remodeled it ourselves to honor it's original design yet updating amenities. Our Hershey downtown neighborhood has had several block parties over the past few years, and we really enjoy attending to meet and talk to people that we wouldn't normally cross paths with. These events make the neighborhood feel smaller and more connected.