She is a mom, volunteer board member with the Better Together foster prevention program and wife of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.
history:
Where were you born?
Chicago, Illinois
When did you move to Ocala?
At age 2, when my dad opened his podiatry practice.
education:
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Belleview High School, then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from the University of Central Florida and an Associate of Science degree in interior design from Seminole State College.
travel:
Did you travel a lot?
I worked for a talent management agency in Manhattan while flying back and forth to Florida to finish my design degree and compete for Miss Florida as Miss Ocala through the Miss America system, when I met Ben.
Where you like to revisit?
After attending World Youth Day 2000 in Rome, Italy, I’d love to bring my family there to experience the ancient architecture, history and rich religious culture.
books:
What have you read recently?
Up From Slavery, the Booker T. Washington biography.
What are you currently reading?
Mark Gregston’s Tough Guys and Drama Queens as well as Christ in the Home by Raoul Plus.
food:
What is your favorite meal?
Popcorn. I have been known to stop at the movie theater to get popcorn to take home to watch a movie.
Favorite local restaurants?
One of my favorites is Ivy on the Square, where the corny corn bread is out of this world, as are the Brussels sprouts at Longhorn Steakhouse.
life:
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
When we were pregnant with our second son, I went into labor at 17 weeks and was told he could pass away in utero and render me sterile and put my life at risk. I was encouraged to terminate but chose to trust God and put myself on bed rest. Seven months and two labor scares later, I delivered a boy who is an outstanding young man and will turn 12 this year.
Who do you hope to influence in life?
It would be great to think I could be a positive influence with everyone I meet. I love being around people and I love talking to people, but I don’t want to be the center of attention.
pet peeves:
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Tripping over shoes. My kids inevitably leave shoes on the floor, and I take them at the end of the night and then they have to “buy” them back by doing a chore.
style:
Dogs or cats?
Dog, but our bearded dragon is really fun.
Favorite color?
Blue, but when it comes to playing a board game, yellow is my color.
entertainment:
What’s your favorite genre of music?
Christian rock and show tunes.
Favorite movie?
Life is Beautiful, written by and starring Roberto Benigni. You will laugh and cry.
