Barb joined the SSE team a year ago this month and says she has enjoyed every minute of it! “Everyone on the team is so friendly and supportive – jumping in to help out whenever and however is needed,” Barb said. “It’s a hard-working group, but we always make time for fun, laughter, and chocolate!”

As the Marketing Specialist, Barb supports the sales team, management, recruiters, and account managers in executing marketing strategies to promote SSE’s core business.

When not working, Barb enjoys spending time with family and friends along the shores of Lake Erie and in the Metroparks. She’s also an avid reader and enjoys crafting and mindful activities – from jewelry design to Zentangle; Shrinky Dinks to tie dying. How does she keep track of all her crafting supplies? “I’m an organizer – it’s my superpower,” Barb declared.

Mom to two teenagers and two orange tabby cats, Barb says her biggest fear is not being able to support her family. “My divorce situation was a little different,” she said. “My ex cost us everything before he left and was out of the picture both physically and financially for several years. I basically had to start over again from scratch with two kids in tow. It’s definitely been a challenge balancing finances, work and parenting on my own, but we’ve been fortunate and have received a lot of support along the way.”

A morning person, Barb says that Spring is her favorite season. “Spring is the season of new beginnings. It’s when everything starts coming to life again,” she said. “The leaves on the trees are coming out, the flowers start blooming, and the days get longer, brighter and warmer!” 

Currently, Barb is reading Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. “The book actually started off as a blog that included humorous recaps of various aspects of Allie’s personal life. It was so popular, she paired it with ‘rage comic’ illustrations and made it into a book,” Barb remarked. “I really enjoy memoirs and fantasy. Some of my favorites, which I have reread over the year, include Watership Down, The Hobbit, Mists of Avalon, and A Piece of Cake.”

With some extra time on her hands while at home these past few months, Barb has been working her way through all 17 seasons of NCIS, currently in season 14. “I also recently watched Down to Earth with Zac Efron and After Life, a British comedy-drama series produced and starring Ricky Gervais,” she added.

Biggest lesson Barb said she has learned in life is that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. “You never know what people are going through, so do your best to be kind – always.”