From my earliest days, I always wanted to make a difference. Rotary allows me to have fun while making a difference and doing good.

I am a North Carolina TARHEEL. I was born, lived and went to school in Durham, graduated from UNC Chapel HILL with a BS in medical technology/clinical laboratory science. I attended grad school when my oldest child was looking at colleges. I received a master’s in education and PhD in Health Promotion and Behavior from the Univ. of GA while I was working at the Centers for Disease Control.

While a Scientist at CDC ,I worked on campaigns to promote appropriate use of antibiotics and to increase the awareness of Hepatitis C. I worked for six years preparing the nation’s laboratories for biological and chemical attacks and ensuring the safety of the nation’s laboratories. After CDC, I worked for a nonprofit and continued my work in biosafety and emergency preparedness. I am certified as a health educator and English as a Second Language Instructor. I am active in St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell and enjoy making the flower arrangements for the services.

I married my anchor who tries to keep me from drifting too far off course, Ron Barden. Together we have three children, four grand daughters and one grandson. I was a very serious child and I am trying to make up for the sobriety of my youth by having fun whenever possible, chilling out at the beach, painting, and dancing.

International Activities and Ending Human Trafficking are my Rotary passions. I was blessed to be able to go on 2 medical missions to Haiti and grateful for the support of RCD in providing a much-needed operating table.

I can give back to RCD by sharing my skills in planning and evaluation, program development and management; conducting surveys, focus groups and key informant interviews.

Rotary has helped be honor my Daddy who was a Rotarian, brought me wonderful friendships, enabled me to use some of my skills, and provided wonderful experiences.If you are new to RCD or you are a little weary, jump in, you will have fun doing good.