I began my real estate career as a child, working with my Dad in his residential development and construction business. My first projects were scraping the paint off of windows and the floors of Dad’s construction projects. After many years I progressively graduated to building my own house, from framing to roofing and eventually working with Dad in his general contracting business. I have always loved the "hands-on" experience of construction. I even had my very own tool belt! I guess I’ve always been a “Daddy’s girl”.
I relocated from California to Kansas City in the mid 80"s where I managed multiple new home subdivisions. I have been a licensed Realtor ® since 1986 and was Rookie of the Year for ReMax of Kansas City. I returned to Phoenix in 1995 and acquired my Arizona Broker's license. I have attained numerous designations in short sales, as well as designations for the following specialties: ABR -Accredited Buyer Representation, EPro – Technology Certification and my CNE, Certified Negotiation Expert designation.
I have been involved in physical fitness and body building for over 20 years and recently took up golf as a stress reliever; however, trying to hit that little white ball with a stick in my hands, has on more than one occasion actually caused additional stress.
I am the Legal Guardian for my elderly Father who has Alzheimer's disease. He is also physically handicapped due to the lasting effects of multiple strokes, and is wheelchair bound. I was forced to turn to the elder care community for his ongoing care. In spite of my 'Can Do' attitude, I have discovered that I am simply not strong enough to single-handedly provide the care Dad requires in my home and still maintain my Real Estate business and my responsibilities to Dakota, my grandson of whom I have also been the legal guardian for the past six years.
As a result of my personal experiences with the Elder Care system, I have become an out-spoken advocate for the elderly. I am currently attempting to write a book depicting my personal experiences with Dad within the Elder Care system. I have discovered that elder care is a preditory industry that is not regulated, and where fraud and exploitation of both Seniors and their unaware family members abound.
It is my personal belief that as the American public becomes aware of the atrocities that are taking place across our Nation in our private care homes and in our corporate owned facilities, that change will be forthcoming. We are the Elders of tomorrow. I would not want my children to suffer the same personal and financial losses that I have expereinced just because they stepped up to the plate and offered their assistance in my old age.
