While raising her children, Becky learned that shopping at the Co-op was not only a way to find really nutritious food, but also a way to economically feed three young children who had different tastes. She says she still loves nourishing her three (now) adult children when they share meals together.

Early childhood care and education has been the focus of Becky’s career, and being involved in a food cooperative has been a way to support that work. She believes that good nutrition and a healthy community is a positive support for families and in raising and working with young children.

Since obtaining her B.A. in elementary education and sociology from Luther College, Becky began a job in a preschool setting, where she immediately fell in love with the idea of working with young children. Since then, she has worked in nearly every capacity of early care and education, including: preschool teacher, infant teacher, child care center director, family and children’s home visitor/advocate, doula, teacher educator, center consultant, consultant on diversity and outreach, and as a provider of support services and education for parents and adults working in the field.

Due to the recent economic downturn and lay offs in early education, Becky found herself between positions. She took a part time position in Seward Co-op’s Wellness Department, an experience that solidified her commitment to the cooperative movement. The next step, she says, was to serve on the Board of Directors.

Becky says she is still learning and working to educate herself on options for Seward Co-op so she, along with the rest of the board, can make decisions that support the co-op and in its future role in our community.