My story

I was raised on a junkyard. Yep — you read that right!

I grew up in upstate New York on about three acres of commercial property that had a little bit of everything: our home, a used car lot out front, a four-bay garage to the side, and an automobile junkyard out back.

And that junkyard is where I learned to drive — in a way I'm pretty sure most people didn't.

My dad used to chase me around the junkyard in his tow truck while I was driving in REVERSE. He would even throw wheels at me as I came around corners because, according to him, I "needed to be ready for anything."  Apparently, Driver's Ed looked a little different at our house.

During my last summer of high school, I worked for my dad at the business. While my mom and sister went on our family vacation, I stayed behind and worked all summer. My reward at the end of it? My first car.

And during that one summer, I learned more about cars than a lot of men know about them today.

Then came the first day of school.

My sister and I walked outside, ready to drive to school, and discovered that my car had a flat tire. I ran back inside and told Dad.

His calm response?

"So change it."

So I did.

Day two of school?

Another flat tire.

And once again, I changed it.

Years later, I found out my dad had simply been letting the air out of my tires!

He definitely made sure I knew how to change one.

Is that what they call tough love?!

By the time I was in my early 30s, I had started dreaming about teaching other women about their automobiles — women who wanted to understand their cars but perhaps had never had anyone teach them.

After all, most women weren't lucky — or crazy — enough to be raised on a junkyard.

Years later, Ladies' Car Care Clinic was born.

Teaching women how to better understand their vehicles, recognize problems, handle basic maintenance, and feel more confident behind the wheel gives me tremendous satisfaction. I truly feel as though I've found part of my purpose.

Today, I'm 58 years old, the mother of one daughter and grandmother of two grandsons.

And yes, I'm going to brag for a minute.

I couldn't be more proud of my daughter. She is an incredible woman and mother, recently graduated with her Master's degree, and recently published her first book, So, You're Expecting: Unsolicited Advice from an Uncensored Mother!

(I warned you I like bragging.)

I also currently work full-time as a Sales Administrator for Centurion Brands.

I offer Ladies' Car Care Clinics primarily on Fridays and weekends, although I can entertain local weekday requests during evening hours.

I'm also committed to providing numerous clinics for not-for-profit organizations as part of my goal of "sharing my Light" — using something I've been gifted with to help others.

In addition, I donate 10% of my fee to Operation Underground Railroad.

And I have one pretty big dream.

Within the next four years, I hope to purchase an RV and travel the country, bringing Ladies' Car Care Clinic to women in communities everywhere and continuing to spread my Light along the way.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I hope I get the chance to meet you — and maybe even teach you a thing or two about your car!