Hailing from a small town in Northern Iowa, I made my way to Mankato via the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Initially, I began my education with an eye on becoming a speech and theater educator. A different path opened up to me, as I transferred to what was then known as, Mankato State University, where I graduated with Bachelors of Science Degree in Speech Communications and a Business Administration minor.

My sales and marketing career has allowed me to share my talents with such organizations as Rasmussen Business College, Express Personnel Services, Creeger Coat Co., and MidAmerica Books. My husband and I also owned and operated Westlor Entertainment, a sound and light show providing professional entertainment for weddings, school dances, and other such events.

I have had the privilege to raise two wonderful young men, predominantly as a single parent, after losing my husband, Brian Garvin, to a four year battle with heart disease in 1998. My oldest son currently attends a junior college where he plays football and is preparing for a major in Corrections. My youngest attends school here in Mankato and is looking forward to attending Mankato West High School next year.

The circles of life are so interesting, as I find myself in the same building today, as I did my first quarter attending MSU. Old Main at that time housed KMSU, where under the tutelage of Professor Bert Meisel, I broadcast a daily news show. A good deal of my life has passed since that time, with dreams realized and dreams broken. Now, that space has been renovated into gorgeous rooms and is someone’s home.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share the charm and grace of living at Old Main Village with Mankato and surrounding communities. In some way, it seems fitting, as though I have come “home.”