Service Unit: SU4651-Westmont Johnstown
County: Cambria
Total Girl Scout Years: 9
Volunteer Years: 9
Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, service unit manager
Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level
Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM
Specialties: camping, Silver Award, Gold Award, outdoor skills, community service/Take Action projects, Journeys, badges
Awards: Appreciation Pin
Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED, Outdoor Skills, knife skills
What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I came to Girl Scouts from Pittsburgh after my daughter was in a pilot program during school. When we moved to Johnstown and tried finding a troop, there was no leader for a troop already waiting. So, I was it . . . three months in a new town, in an organization I knew next to nothing about, as their new leader—it was . . . interesting. But I pressed on, and nine years later, I’ve managed to make it work still!
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My Girl Scout philosophy is: Why be good when you dream of being great? My sister liked saying it often to me. I’m amazed to learn positive stats at what the Girl Scout organization does for young girls at a critical time when they often fight self-esteem battles, mental health issues, struggles with school and home life, and friendships. Having a positive influence on young girls during this time is impactful and leads to bright futures.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
There is no Girl Scout jail. The badge guides are there to help leaders who need a starting place, but if you have a great idea for a badge, by all means, go for it!
Other Organizations: Johnstown NAACP member, Tribune-Democrat Readers Committee, Santa Fund Committee, President, UCC Penn West Justice & Witness Committee (2023 National Delegate), Writer, Johnstown Magazine Contributor, Tribune-Democrat Grant Writer, The Learning Lamp
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