Personal: I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and still consider myself to be a Midwesterner at heart. I came to the Berkshires for the first time to attend Williams College, after which I worked in Washington, D.C., for 11 exciting years. I returned when I married a Lenox native, Michael Coakley, who was looking for an excuse to leave New York City. We arrived in 1996, raised two wonderful sons here, and thoroughly love this beautiful corner of the world.
Professional: As the Director of Alumni Career Networking at Williams, I derive deep satisfaction in helping my fellow alumni at every age and career stage to navigate their professional journeys.
Church Life: I was raised in the Episcopal Church (shout out to Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, Illinois) and belonged to a great parish during my time in Washington (St. George’s, Arlington, Virginia). I credit my former Berkshire Life/Guardian colleague, Susan LeBourdais, for guiding me to St. Stephen’s when I first moved here and was looking for a spiritual home. Over the years I’ve volunteered in a number of capacities, and am currently honored to serve as a member of the Vestry, chair of the Stewardship Committee and a lector.
Spiritual Life: At a time of great unrest among God’s children, I take comfort in the poetry of faith – while remaining grateful to be part of a denomination that encourages me to actively understand God’s will.