What are some of your favorite memories from your time at the DuBois Area School District?
I have so many great memories from my time at DuBois Area School District. Some of my favorites were painting up for football games and getting to be part of all the energy and excitement that came with them. I loved school dances and just spending time with friends.
I also have such fond memories of the simple, silly, everyday moments with friends, along with all the clubs and activities I was a part of. Looking back, it’s really those little moments that made the biggest impact. It’s hard to pick a favorite few memories.
Were there any teachers, coaches, or classes that had a lasting impact on you?
Wow, there are so many staff and teachers I can think of who loved and poured into me in so many ways. Some showed tough love, others encouraged me in different ways. Some reminded me that I didn’t have to fit into a mold after graduation…that I could create my own path.
Relationally, Mrs. Clark stands out. She always had an open door and was such an encourager. She kept it real.
Then there was Coach Green. He constantly pushed me and reminded me that I could do hard things and even when I gave him a hard time.
Ms. Rankus was the one who told me I had an eye for portraits and that I could take something ordinary or boring and make it beautiful or interesting. She trusted me and always had such a great sense of humor while still giving tough love. Yearbook was my absolute favorite class because of her.
Mr. Craig introduced me to all things graphic-related. He was the first person who really encouraged me that I could do something creative with those skills and that I should consider pursuing it.
Mrs. A. (McLaughlin) always made the classroom a safe space. She gave me space to dream and READ. She gave me a love for literature in a way that I never appreciated before. Especially when home life was really hard her room was a safe escape for me.
There are honestly so many others I loved and appreciated too…Mr. Kieth, Mrs. Parlette, Mr. Bundy.
What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in as a student?
In high school, I was very involved in several activities that I truly loved. I cheered and was actively involved in Yearbook, which gave me the opportunity to capture and tell the stories of our school community. I also enjoyed following current events and was part of the Invisible Children club, along with several other activities that meant a lot to me.
Even earlier, in middle school, I loved getting to participate in the morning announcements. It was something I really looked forward to and enjoyed being part of.
Tell us about your current career or professional role. What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m currently a portrait photographer in the Indianapolis area. My days are pretty variable as I balance managing clients, emails, going out on shoots, content creation, styling clients, playing weatherman and running a business while also managing a household.
My job has been an incredible blessing in my life. I get to photograph amazing people and be a small part of their stories (in a really underrated cool city of Indianapolis) It also allows me to blend worlds I love, the fashion and creative side, along with the techy, nerdy side of photography. And the best part is that I still get to come home to my kids every night. It truly feels like the best of all worlds.
What led you to pursue this career path?
Like a lot of 17–18 year olds, I felt this huge pressure to go to college and get a degree. The problem was, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and finances weren’t unlimited. So in a bit of a desperate attempt to figure things out, I gave college a try for a year at Clarion. Let’s just say I quickly realized college just wasn’t the path for me. After that year, I decided not to go back and instead work while I figured out what my next steps might be. During that time, the people around me encouraged me to pick up a camera and just start — so I did.
Not long after, I met the love of my life and we got married. I started my photography business while we were living in Arizona, and shortly after we moved back to Indianapolis. From there, my business really began to grow — in only the way the Lord can make something grow. What started as simply trying something new has turned into a 13+ year journey of photographing incredible people and being trusted to capture their stories. And I truly feel so blessed that this is what I get to do.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
What I find most rewarding about portrait photography is helping people see themselves in a genuine and meaningful way. There’s truly nothing better!! I believe photography should feel human again. Seniors are more than a look, and families are more than a trend or a vibe or a posed image on your grid. Style should support who someone is, not replace it. I don’t create images for likes or followers. I want to create portraits that hold feeling, personality, and truth.
One of the greatest gifts in my work is seeing my clients’ reactions when they view their photos. Watching someone see themselves in a new light (especially high school girls who are so vulnerable) they get to see themselves, the way the Lord created them, with beauty and purpose; it is incredibly meaningful to me.
Being trusted to capture those moments and preserve those memories is something I never take for granted. It truly feels like a gift every time.
Have you received any recognitions, awards, or achieved milestones you're especially proud of?
While awards are certainly nice, being known in my community, by name; for integrity and the quality of my work has always meant far more to me. I’ve been asked over the years to enter awards, but it’s never really been my focus or interest. I do what I do for my clients: to serve them well and to give them the gift of memories they can hold onto for years to come. And to me, that’s what matters the most.
How did your experiences at the DuBois Area School District help prepare you for your career or further education?
My time at DuBois Area School District played a meaningful role in shaping both my career path and who I am today. So many aspects helped me build confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of community. I remember having to do my senior interview and how much everything I learned doing that has helped shape my client communication and my ability to “interview well” with each client I come in contact with… because each new client is a new job which is a daily interview. I remember so many aspects of classes I took that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in both leadership and presence. What impacted me most, though, were the teachers and staff who poured into me. Some challenged me with tough love, while others reminded me that I didn’t have to follow a traditional path. That perspective was incredibly freeing and ultimately gave me the confidence to pursue a nontraditional career path in photography. At the time it was not a normal path. DAHS, it helped shape my work ethic, my ability to connect with people, and my confidence to build a career centered around creativity, relationships, and purpose.
If you could go back to high school, what goal-setting advice do you wish someone had given you?
If I could go back, I’d want someone to shift how I thought about goals (not just what I was chasing, but how I was approaching it.) It’s easy in high school to chase what looks “successful” on paper or on social media, but I’d remind myself to start from a place that actually aligns with my strengths and interests. And to be okay with not having a perfectly mapped out plan and to be okay with doing something different. Focus on getting 1% better every day. Small, consistent goals will move you forward more than you realize. Discipline matters! Showing up consistently is what builds confidence and momentum. And always stay teachable. There will always be someone ahead of you and someone behind you, so don’t get distracted by comparison. Stay in your lane, stay hungry, and stay disciplined.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to pivot and adjust. Sometimes the Lord opens up some amazing opportunities you never expected.
How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?
I define success very differently now than I did when I was younger. It used to look like what was impressive on paper or what other people recognized as “successful.” But over time, that definition has shifted into something much more personal.
To me, success isn’t just what you build… it’s who you’re building it with (my husband & children).
It’s about who I am when no one is watching, the way I love people, and the values I’m living out daily.
Everything else; career, growth, opportunities etc comes second to that foundation.
What skills or habits do you believe are most important for students to develop while they're in school?
I believe some of the most important skills students can develop in school are rooted in how they relate to others. Learning how to talk to people and communicate clearly is essential. Whether it’s expressing ideas, asking questions, or listening well, strong communication impacts every area of life.
It’s also important to learn how to respectfully agree to disagree. Not everyone will think the same way, and being able to navigate differences with maturity and respect is a skill that carries into adulthood, careers, and relationships. Don’t stop Conversing with those who you don’t agree with.
Another valuable habit is developing resilience, understanding that you won’t always feel comfortable, and that’s okay. Growth often comes from being challenged.
Also, ,LEARN TO MANAGE MONEY WELL. Seriously, it's so important!
How do you stay connected to the DuBois Area School District community or give back to others?
Well, my sweet family is still very much involved here at DASD. My niece (Everly Reiter) and nephews (Everett & Emerson Reiter) are growing up in this school system, and they are thriving! So I’m tethered to DASD.