AGE: 65

PROFESSION: Documentary Film Producer/Director/Writer

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What is the best thing about being your age?

I grew up in the 70's which was an amazing time to be alive. Becoming an adult in an era that was "free-range" and unsupervised meant that we learned by trial and error how to navigate our lives without being tethered to devices. We learned to read paper maps. We needed change in our pockets to call home and we weren't expected to be in touch until it was dinnertime or getting dark (whichever came first). My peers and I led less organized and structured lives which allowed us to be more intrepid and open to life unfolding.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

Getting diagnosed with a rare and aggressive breast cancer in 2023 was the biggest challenge/hardship that I've faced in my life. It felt surreal and terrifying. I leaned on my husband and family and friends and they showed up for me. I put trust into science and my brilliant doctors and had faith (and I did pray) that I'd get better. I fought anxiety often, but my body responded to treatments that were only recently developed. I am happy to be alive! Having a sense of humor, persistence and appreciation for those helping me (especially health care workers) is my own brand of "strength". And going forward, it's clear to me that the excellent health care I received (and still receive) should be available to all people who need it, and funding for medical research institutions must not be cut. Lives are being saved.

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What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

Visiting Bora Bora and swimming in the most beautiful water.

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​What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A sunny day at the beach or on the water with my favorite people.

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​What is your most treasured possession?

My photographs which are my visual diary and artistic outlet.

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What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to journal more, because those entries will be very entertaining down the line. I would tell myself that hitch-hiking is a dumb idea, even if you are doing it with a friend, there are some rides that are just too dicey. I would have taken photography class in high school and not waited until I was in my late 20s to fall in love with it. I would say buy those tickets to see Prince in concert when I had the chance. (especially in the 80s!) I would tell myself to be more appreciative of my Mom, even when we were butting heads. And I would have made my younger self live in Italy for a year so I could speak Italian.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Over 15 years ago a friend and I started shooting a documentary film about environmental issues and politics. We intended it to be insightful and humorous, but instead our film focused on the environmental abuses taking place in West Virginia. We filmed the impacts of mountaintop removal mining, and the expansion of fracking and pipelines - all industries that if done without adequate protections destroy our air, water, land and speed up climate change. We met and followed people standing political against this destruction and confronting powerful politicians who enable it, at a great personal cost. Our film, "RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS", premiered at film festivals nationally in 2024 and received awards as "best environmental film" and for "social engagement". Producing our film was a huge achievement, and I hope that it opens people's eyes to West Virginia's plight and helps in the fight to save our planet.

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I'd have stronger hands that could open jars and packages without a struggle.

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What is your greatest extravagance?

Being able to walk to the ocean.

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

My intuition.

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

"To thine own self be true."

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Words of wisdom to younger women

Love yourself, but don't be obsessed with yourself. Don't compromise your core beliefs. Don't blow off your friends when a new man enters your life. Don't say "OK, Boomer" because dismissing people on the basis of their age is lame. Try to make things better.

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Additional thoughts on aging...

Just keep moving.

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