A native St. Louisan and the youngest (a twin, but still the youngest) of an all boy family, I grew up in the same neighborhood where my grandparents and parents grew up. I moved to Chicago in 1996 after college where I met John and Lisa, the J&L namesake of my company, J&L Catering. I started as a waiter and worked my way up to eventually purchase J&L 25 years ago wth my chef Kevin Kelly. I’m fortunate that J&L has afforded me to be able to give back to many performing arts and health & human service organizations around Chicago. I am a past board member and now honorary board member of About Face Theater, a trustee of Harris Theater for Music and Dance and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. I have chaired galas for Dance for Life, Equality Illinois, The Wonka Ball and the Harris Theater. I want to be a Dancing with the Giordano Star participant for many reasons. When I was a freshman in high school, I had a choreographer who told me I was a terrible dancer and that I should stick to singing roles only. That one comment has followed me for years and I have never danced in public since. (Although I nailed the tour jeté during the performance!)  This competition is really pushing my comfort zone, rekindling my love of performance and fear of stage fright at the same time. I am thrilled to be a part of it. But most importantly, as a lover of dance I want to support Nan and celebrate her years of leadership in our incredible Chicago dance community. I’m excited for this journey! I want to thank my incredible husband and my best friend Ross Slotten who supports me in any trouble I seem to get myself into.