Perspective
My husband and I have lived in Avondale Estates for 31 years. We bought our home here as a young newly married couple, raised our children here, and are now empty nesters.
I have experienced Avondale at virtually all home-owning ages and stages, so I am sensitive to what nurtures our sense of community at every stage of life.
As someone with a science background, I value thorough research and informed, evidence-based decision making. That said, I believe that the intangibles can matter as much as data and dollars when considering some issues.
Maintaining quality of life for residents is important. Preserving and growing — beyond our traditional single-family residential district — our distinct identity and character is important.
Avondale, Leadership, Volunteer Activities
In Avondale
• Married to Greg Shortell
• Avondale Estates resident for 31 years –
3 Fairfield Plaza (7 years), 6 Clarendon Place (24 years)
• Two children born, raised, and launched from AE
• Longtime AE pool and tennis team member
• ASTC swim team coordinator
• Longtime community club member
• Garden participant on two AE Garden Tours
• Co-founder and member of Avondale Book Club (ABC)
• Avondale Ad-Hoc Halloween Committee, 2008
• Volunteer tutor at International Community School and AES (Path to Shine)
• Participant in Downtown Master Plan study and workshops, “Build an Intersection” Day, and zoning code audit stakeholder meeting
• Avondale Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee, 2015 and 2021
• Co-founder and core committee member responsible for communications, Second Century Avondale, a citizen interest group promoting a bike- and pedestrian-friendly downtown reflecting Avondale’s unique character and identity
Outside of Avondale
• Science teacher, Paideia School
• Substitute and assistant upper elementary teacher, Arbor Montessori School
• Tutor
• Board member, Arbor Montessori Board of Trustees
• Chair and representative, Arbor Montessori Parent Involvement Committee
• Coordinator, Arbor Montessori Garden Partners
• Chair, Paideia School Fall Barbeque and Square Dance
• Chair, Paideia Auction Parent and Alumni Donations