Sally's experience began in 2003 when two friends asked her to serve as their wedding celebrant in Massachusetts. They felt that she was a perfect fit for the job! This was such a positive experience for Sally and the couple that it led to Sally's pursuit of appointment as Justice of the Peace for Easthampton, Massachusetts in 2004 where she served in that capacity until 2008. Sally was the most requested Justice of the Peace for the entire Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts until she moved to North Carolina in 2008, to advance her full time career with a position at Appalachian State University in Boone. At that time, Sally completed the requirements for ordination as an interfaith minister through the Esoteric Interfaith Church. Since 2004, Sally has served as wedding celebrant for over 2000 couples. In addition, she has performed commitment ceremonies, holy unions, renewal of vows, baby/child blessings, house blessings, adoption celebrations, pet burial rituals, name changing ceremonies (for adoptions, gender changes, and divorces), and more. Sally has also served as resident wedding officiant for RFamily Vacations for 17 years.
Performing weddings/commitment ceremonies in a variety of settings, in large and small venues, in many faith traditions along with no faith traditions, and with special needs such as using an interpreter for the deaf and language translator, Sally's warmth, passion, and sense of celebration shine through. Couples consistently comment on Sally's ability to make them feel calm and confident and to draw their guests in so they feel they are part of the ceremony and not just observers.
Sally graduated from Excelsior Springs (Missouri) High School, received her bachelor's degree, Summa Cum Laude, with Honors in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) from William Jewell College (Liberty, Missouri), a master's degree in HPER from Baylor University (Waco, Texas), and a second advanced degree in School Counseling from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst, Massachusetts). She has worked in education for most of her life, but also worked in ministry with college students for several years.
Sally's commitment to and interest in diversity and other cultures began when her father was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan when she was in elementary school. In 2008, she received the inaugural Massachusetts School Counselors Association Human Rights Award. Involvement in community and civic affairs as well as a dedication to social justice and advocacy for animals has long been a part of Sally's commitment to making the world a better place.
Sally retired in 2022 as Associate Director of Academic Advising at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and lives in Appleton, Wisconsin with her life-partner/wife Chris, and their beloved dog, Lily. Sally married Chris on 11/11/11 at 11:11 a.m. in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Among Sally's other interests are walking, most sports, healthy cooking, HGTV, the arts, and friends. There is nothing Sally likes better than deep conversation with a good friend in a great coffee shop (even though she doesn't drink coffee!)