A Personal Note
My roots are Canadian. I grew up on the northern shores of Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario. Maple syrup still runs in my blood.
I know the challenges of change. In 1993 we left close family ties and moved to the heartland of Oklahoma. What a culture shock! We traded white winters for tornados, country roads for interstates, and hockey games for OU football. (Go Sooners!)
In 2006, a family career change brought us to the Napa Valley region of Northern California. Hello sunshine, wildfires and earthquakes! In 2011, we find ourselves on the high Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona contemplating a hot air balloon ride.
I am a high achieving first born. In my early 40’s, I tried to be super everything by working both day and night. I robbed my body of rest and experienced burnout. Now I encourage others to balance their lives and focus on self care.
I am a survivor. A ski accident, the tragic loss of both of my parents within three days of each other and a serious car accident continue to give me fresh perspective on loss and limitations. Moments are precious. Life is fragile. Every day is a gift from God.
Ministry Life
A classmate in college introduced me to the Lord and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of all that I do. My life is my ministry.
Over my lifetime I have owned a Christian bookstore; travelled with a missions team to Nigeria; held several church staff positions including Director of Christian Education and Family Life Coordinator; and served as a children's worship leader and women's ministry teacher.
Love Life
My husband, Dr. Don Denmark is my best friend. He is a gentleman of discipline who uses his gift of administration and medical training to improve the delivery of healthcare.
It was “love at first sight” but we began our marriage 38 years ago with overly ambitious career goals and poor communications skills. In just two years our marriage fell apart. Through God's grace and the miracle of forgiveness it was restored.
Family Life
Don and I relish the pleasures of parenthood and face the challenges with heartfelt prayer. Although all three of our children are out of the nest, we remain very involved and connected parents.
Our daughter Allison is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Sacramento with her husband Michael, who works as Executive Director of External Affairs for the California Trucking Association. Their three children, Liam, Emily and Malcolm keep us young at heart.
Our son Matthew is a professional volleyball player who divides his time between Europe and Nashville and gives us a great excuse to travel!
Our son Jonathan has a creative soul and lives in Los Angeles pursuing his passion and talent for graphic design and acoustic rap music. He has attracted quite a following with the hipster crowd.