Founder’s Corner: Lessons from an Unconventional Path
When deciding to start Tandem Benefit Partners, I knew I wanted to create a place where relationships came first , where employers had a partner who would walk alongside them through the complexity of health benefits, not just show up once a year at renewal.
But before Tandem, there was a long path that shaped how I see this work and why it matters so deeply to me.
I grew up in a military family. My dad served in both in the Army and later the Air Force, which meant we moved a few times during my childhood and experienced life in different communities. Those early years taught me how to adapt quickly, meet new people, and find connection wherever I landed.
I was homeschooled growing up and didn’t take the traditional college path. Instead, I entered the workforce early. I started working at fifteen, and by seventeen I had my first professional job while juggling multiple roles. Looking back, that experience became something I’m incredibly proud of. Learning by doing forced me to become resourceful, disciplined, and resilient much earlier than most.
As a kid, I was energetic, curious, and social. I loved pulling people together, trying new things, and exploring whatever caught my interest. That hasn’t changed much. I’m still the person who wants to try everything; from crocheting and embroidery to mountain climbing, mountain biking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and even the occasional karaoke night.
I also love traveling, especially internationally. Immersing myself in new cultures and meeting people from all walks of life is something that continually reminds me how much we can learn from one another. Some of my favorite memories come from the unexpected friendships formed along the way, especially one unforgettable trip where I met a veterans nonprofit group and got to drive a private yacht - ask me for the whole story sometime, I would love to tell it.
But alongside curiosity and adventure has always been a strong pull toward serving others.
I began volunteering in my early twenties, working with youth programs and eventually becoming involved in foster care for more than 10 years. Over the years I’ve helped serve meals in the community, participated in neighborhood clean-ups, written Christmas cards to residents in memory care facilities, and served on several nonprofit boards. Those experiences reinforced something I’ve always believed: small acts of care can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
That belief eventually carried into my professional path as well.
After being laid off during the Great Recession in 2009, I was fortunate to join a regional insurance agency owned by an extraordinary woman who led with integrity, humility, and grace. I started in the most junior role as an account assistant, and over time had the opportunity to work nearly every role in the business; account management, operations leadership, and eventually sales.
Two mentors during that time shaped my career in ways I’ll always be grateful for. They showed me what good business truly looks like: honest conversations, long-term thinking, and taking responsibility for the people who place their trust in you. One of those mentors even officiated my wedding, which says a lot about the relationships that were built during those years.
What kept me in benefits consulting was the problem-solving. Health insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s a puzzle. Every employer has a different workforce, financial structure, and set of priorities. Finding the right strategy requires creativity, curiosity, and persistence.
But what stayed with me most were the moments where the work truly mattered.
Helping a patient navigate local care in-network while they were fighting cancer.
Working with a carrier to approve a surgery while the patient was already on a flight to the hospital across the country.
Driving to a pharmacy to cover the cost of a medication while we worked through a prior authorization.
Those moments reminded me that behind every plan document and spreadsheet is a real person who needs care.
Over time, one principle became central to how I approach both life and business: Take ownership of every outcome. That mindset ultimately led to the creation of Tandem Benefit Partners.
Tandem was built on the belief that the best results come from true partnership when working side by side with employers, understanding their goals, and helping them navigate one of the most complex and important investments their organization makes.
Outside of work, my greatest joy is my family. I come from a large extended family with sixteen aunts and uncles, though my immediate family is small, just my parents and my brother. My husband and I also have three nephews and one niece who we absolutely adore spending time with. Exploring, playing, and watching them grow has been one of life’s greatest gifts.
My husband and I are happiest doing simple things together like renovating our home, relaxing by the pool, or spending time with our two Yorkies, Sadie and Bentley, who run the household. Don’t worry, you’ll meet them soon.
We lost one of our dogs about a year and a half ago, and it was truly heartbreaking. Anyone who has loved a pet knows how deeply they become part of your family.
When I look back on the path that led here - from a homeschooled teenager working two jobs, to learning every role inside a benefits firm, to building something of my own - I’m incredibly grateful for the people who shaped that journey along the way.
Founder’s Corner is a place where I’ll occasionally share lessons, stories, and perspectives from both business and life.
Thank you for being part of the Tandem journey.
