In the Spotlight!

As the tallest dancer in our group, I can say quite literally, that we all look up to Kathy. Since she is almost always in the center, we look to her to keep our lines straight and find our places — she keeps us “centered”. But seriously, there are other reasons to look up to her. Last year, she worked through 3 surgeries (2 being hip replacements and the second one being in October!) and surprised us all by being able to perform with us in our Christmas performance last December. Can you say “perseverance”? Unfortunately, after being set as the Angel on the top of our Christmas tree formation in this year’s performance, she tore her Achilles tendon playing tennis. With surgery just 5 weeks before our show, looks like she’ll just be keeping us company backstage. In spite of her huge disappointment, she will be watching our classes on zoom and has offered to help with costumes. And that attitude is yet another reason for us all to look up to her. To learn more about Kathy, please read her bio below.

I am a true Southern California girl, I was born in Pasadena and raised in Arcadia. I have three brothers, two older and one younger. My dad played in the minor and major baseball leagues. All my brothers grew up playing baseball. I went to lots of baseball games. I also grew up playing baseball, football, basketball, and whenever the brothers needed another player they would put me in our neighborhood front yard games.

My years growing up were very challenging. My parents got a divorce and the family became very dysfunctional. I learned at an early age that hardships build character and make you a stronger person.

I graduated from Arcadia High in 1967. My first job was at May Company in Arcadia. I had to buy my own car and pay for my own schooling so I started out at Pasadena City College. I studied Dental Assisting and soon got a job working in a dental office as a chairside assistant. It was a large practice and a fun office. Believe it or not we wore nurse’s outfits that were hot pants with white boots. That was the days when hot pants were popular. I took two trips to Florida and got a certificate as a Myofunctional Therapist which I was able to use in the Dental practice. I worked in the dental office for 8 years.

I met the love of my life, Gerry and we were married in 1977. We have been married for 44 years. We have a son and a daughter. I loved being a stay at home mom and was determined not to raise my kids like I was raised. It was not always easy not having the best role models growing up, but I did my best. When the kids started school we decided to home school our kids. I have to say it was the hardest job but the most rewarding job I ever did. We did so many amazing things and had experiences the kids will never forget.

When my kids went to college I was hired at my church to be the Wedding coordinator and a year later was asked if I would also be the funeral coordinator. I loved working with the brides and their families. I also loved working with people and comforting them as they lost loved ones. I did this job for 15 years.

While I was working at my church I also started my own business doing appointment services for small companies. I had several different ones but two were my favorites and finally just worked with them booking appointments, ordering parts, and doing their billing. They were a joy to work for and I finally retired my business at the age of 67.

My husband and I have been lay counselors at our church working with couples for the last 13 years. We are still meeting with clients. We have counseled couples getting married and also couples that are having trouble with their marriage. We find it so rewarding to see a couple improving and really trying to make things better.

My husband and I have been on several mission trips. Our first was to Chinle, Az working with the Indians in the area and a vacation bible school for the kids. We went to Germany working in a refugee camp. Went to Ukraine twice teaching English to kids. They were all amazing trips and experiences.

My tap dancing career started in 2000 when my daughter opened a dance studio in Glendora. She had danced since she was four, and also was a baton twirler. It was cool to learn to dance through my daughter. She had an adult tap class and asked all of the women in our family to join the class. We had so much fun and I did my first recital with my family and our husbands cheering us on in the audience. After a year my daughter moved to San Diego so no more tapping. In 2012 we down sized from our home of 35 yrs. in La Verne to a smaller home in Upland. I got a flyer from the Sr Center that they had Sr tap. I asked Janet if she would join me and she said ok. It has been an amazing journey. I am blessed to have found the Young @ Heart Tappers. I have made many new friends who have been there for me when I needed them, friends to have fun with and to laugh with. A big thank you to Suellen the best teacher ever. We all love you!!!!!

I enjoy sewing, bible study, gardening, tennis, tapping, scrapbooking, traveling.

We have 7 grand-daughters that keep us busy with their different activities. Right now it is going to soccer games, volleyball games, dance performances and plays. Soooo fun!!!