Archive for the ‘Leigh Spence’ Category

I am sure this does not come as a shock, but I have been thinking about gifts recently. Not just the gifts I want to give, but I have also been thinking about the ones I have received through the years. Sometimes gifts are simple treasures and others are grand gestures, but for the next [...] more »

As a high school counselor, people often ask me what has changed the most since I was in high school. In my ninth year as a counselor and my 15th year with Columbia Public Schools, my answer is always the same: the number of teens who are on their own while still in high school. more »

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a workshop by Anthony Muhammad, an educational consultant and author of the book Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division. Dr. Muhammad has devised a system of classification of cultural attitudes in the school work environment that is highly relevant outside the educational sector. more »

Last Saturday I was one of 762 people who gathered at Hickman High School to be superheroes for Columbia Public Schools (not to mention another 200-300 who attended without their costumes). It was truly a great event and so much fun to see people of all ages throwing their dignity to the wind for a [...] more »

My husband and I saw the film “Secretariat” last week. I really enjoyed remembering “Big Red” and his record breaking Triple Crown victory in 1973.  But in the end, the thing that struck me as I watched the film was the idea that there is no “right time” for pursuing your passion. more »

On Friday, Voices hosted a luncheon with the Bank of Missouri that featured Carol Denninghoff, one of the founders of House of Brokers. Carol shared the history of the multi-million dollar real estate company that was started by six women in 1981. It got me thinking about the importance of our women colleagues. more »

My mom has vascular dementia. She was diagnosed three years ago and has lived in a facility since December. Once we got her safely ensconced in the care of the fine folks at her residential facility, I took a deep breath and began blogging. more »

Today is my son’s 22nd birthday. More than any other relationship in my life, being a mom has been the most instructive. Just when I think I’ve got it down, some new stage emerges and I feel like I am back at square one. Many of the mom lessons I’ve learned translate to other aspects [...] more »

At the Voices Homestyle Happy Hour on Friday, we celebrated the value and fun of networking.  Voices board member Karen Miller, who shared her home and her amazing networking skills with us, helped break the ice with activities that encouraged the women to meet one another. more »

As you hopefully are aware, Voices is sponsoring a Homestyle Happy Hour this Friday at the home of Karen Miller (300 W. Broadway, 5-7). I have been extending invitations to my friends hoping that they will join us for some fun after-work girl time. I have received some interesting responses suggesting that a few of [...] more »