A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo County, Margaret grew up working on dairy farms- first in Pavilion Township, then in Texas Township. With her three brothers and parents, Margaret worked hard- instilling qualities that she is known for now as a public servant. Like many farm youths, she spent summers detasseling corn. “Those summers taught me that hard work is the key to success. Working in the hot sun, for long hours in less than ideal conditions, I learned that you finish whatever job you start no matter how hard it is.”
Volunteerism became an important part of Margaret’s life when she was in high school. When regularly attending to her Alzheimer’s afflicted Great Grandma in a nursing home, Margaret became aware of the other patients in the nursing home. Even after her Great Grandma’s death, Margaret continued visiting the nursing home to see those who had become her friends. “Visiting allowed me to learn the stories of many great citizens in our community. I treasure the stories they shared with me.”
Margaret graduated Mattawan High School in 1991 and went to Michigan State University. She attended MSU’s prestigious James Madison College, and paid her own way through college working two jobs. Margaret continued her community volunteerism, working with disabled athletes in the Cerebral Palsy/Les Autres Games, interning at an alternative high school, singing in the church choir and volunteering at other events. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 1996. “While I was proud to be the first in my family to graduate from college, I wish my mother could have shared it with me.” Margaret’s mother passed away from cancer during Margaret’s sophomore year of college.
Returning home to Kalamazoo, Margaret was hired at Catholic Family Services as a Crisis Worker at their ARK shelter for runaway, troubled and homeless teens. Margaret earned promotions and eventually managed their Caring Network pregnancy support program. She also managed the agency’s contracts and help secure new funding for programs helping those in need.
During this time, Margaret gave birth to her son, Tyjon. As a single mother, she provided for her son and her father who suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Margaret’s early lessons of working hard helped her as she juggled full time work and volunteerism along with caring for her family.
