During my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, cycling, swimming, and climbing with my family.

I also devote some weekends to volunteering at local no-kill animal shelters as an adoption counselor, educator, and shelter assistant. From 1999-2004, I volunteered regularly at the Humane Society of Montgomery County in Christiansburg, VA. Since 2005, I have been a regular volunteer at Raleigh, NC's SAFE Haven for Cats. These activities are thoroughly supported and heartily encouraged by my own feline herd at home.