Currently resides in: Ceresco, Neb.
Employment type: Official
Member since: 1988
Graduated from: American Institute of Business, Des Moines, Iowa
Theory: Computer-compatible Stenograph theory
What are your favorite briefs?
KALGS (calculation)
KHAOEUPT (child support)
B-L (basically)
FRAUL (first of all)
FUFRT (forfeiture)
Why did you decide to enter this profession, and how did you learn about the career?
After taking the entrance exam at American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa, I was encouraged to try their court reporting program. That turned out to be good advice.
What has been your best work experience so far in your career?
In 2015, I assisted a federal reporter, Sue DeVetter, RDR, CRR, for a few days during a realtime trial in Omaha, Neb., which inspired me to maintain forward movement by writing as flawlessly as possible every day, pass the CRC, and keep improving. It is easy to become isolated and complacent in our profession, and networking with other reporters gives me resilience to bounce back from setbacks.
I am also constantly creeping on the Facebook groups for court reporters, although I don’t usually post anything. I have learned so much by following you all, even from questions that start out with, “This may sound like a stupid question, but…”
Have you had challenges to overcome in your profession?
I was four years into court officialships and the mother of two children in daycare, hating my job and berating myself for yelling at my toddlers like a drill sergeant every morning. Once I switched to freelancing, the combination of motherhood and court reporting became less of a struggle. Our toddlers are now about to graduate from college, and I went back to being an official a year ago. I miss the freedom of working from home but needed benefits not available to independent contractors.
Do you have a favorite tool?
It’s that dreaded time of year when I have to renew my support contracts with Stenograph for my Diamante, iCVNet, and Case Catalyst, but those are my true tools of the trade that make realtime and quick transcript turnaround possible for me. However, it’s the exhibit labels from my Dymo Label Maker that get the most appreciative comments from attorneys!
What is your favorite book or movie?
I just finished Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, which has me thinking about volunteering for NCRF and participating in the Oral Histories of Holocaust Survivors, which would be a harrowing, yet fulfilling, experience.
