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Who is the financial manager in your home?
Brian for sure. We try to be good stewards and managers of our
money. Brian is much more organized when it comes to most things,
including our finances!
When your children were younger, what was your discipline
philosophy?
We were probably much more tough on our first than our fourth, but
we have tried to teach our children respect for their parents and
adults. Some require more discipline than others (not naming any
names)!
Even as our kids are older now, we most likely retain the “strict
parent” reputation, but we tell our kids that we are ok with that title!
We try to limit and monitor technology. Now we feel it’s important
to be intentional in modeling the behaviors we want to instill in
them, to be kind and to put others’ needs ahead of their own.
We want them to be humble, giving, and trustworthy.
What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to
your family?
We feel that our greatest role is to lead our kids closer to Christ
and to raise kind, compassionate, self-sufficient kids who will make
a difference in their world.
What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food?
And who does the cooking?
We love to throw chicken or steak on the grill and a vegetable and a
starch. Also, taco night is a fave. I do most of the cooking. Grayson
likes to make chocolate chip pies and Emily loves to bake cakes and
macarons. Cincinnati Chili has also become a family favorite.
What accomplishments make you proud during your time
living in Clinton?
Our greatest accomplishments are the four little (and not so little)
people we have been entrusted to raise!
What drives you to have the job that you have?
And what do you do for a living?
Susan I am a pediatric dentist and I absolutely love my job. I love
seeing a child, who is scared of the dentist, transform into someone
who loves to come see us. I love helping kids who are in pain feel
better, helping to give them a smile that they are proud of, and
teaching them how to take care of their teeth. It is so rewarding
watching my patients grow up and develop relationships with
them and their families. We are sad when they get too old for us.
Brian I felt from the time I was in high school that the Lord was
leading me to work with students. Through circumstances that I
believe were orchestrated by God, teaching just fell into place, and
it has been the best career for me. I’ve worked in the Clinton Public
School District for close to 20 years, serving as a teacher, coach,
assistant principal, and now as athletic director. It’s been a joy
working with our students and the community of Clinton. This
is the best school system in the state, and the values and vision that
were put into place by Dr. Virgil Belue over 50 years ago, have been
carried on through many men and women over the years, and are
still in place today. Those are values that parallel my personal values
that I have for myself and my own children.
How long has Clinton been your home?
I have always lived in Clinton, besides two years in Birmingham
for residency. Brian has lived here for about 20 years.
What are some of your favorite things about Clinton?
We love the small-town feel of Clinton, the superior academic and
diverse environment of our schools, our precious friends that we
have, and the overall support we feel from our community.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Pediatric dentistry is quite busy during the summers! The kids are
very active in sports and camps during this time. We all love going
to the lake and spending time with our extended family.
38 • FEBRUARY 2023