What have you been up to since your graduated?
I graduated from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul in 1984 with a degree in Ministries/Music. In April of 1984 I married Peter Buckles. Our son was born in 1985. Our daughter (Kimberly) was born in 1987 and was immediately diagnosed with transposition of the great vessels. Her first surgery was done when she was 2 days old. Two months later Peter had heart valve replacement surgery. In March of 1988 Kimberly had major reconstructive surgery on her heart and suffered a major brain injury during surgery. Much of my time in the following years was focused on being a mom to 2 young children - one of which had disabilities. In 1994 Peter had heart valve replacement surgery again. He survived the surgery but died 6 weeks later from complications. In 1995 I married Robert (Bob) Bradford and we built a farm in Hammond, Wisconsin. We have Morgan horses and have enjoyed doing a little breeding and a lot of horse shows. The horses were so significantly helpful in my daughter's life that I became a certified therapeutic riding instructor. My daughter has also become a certified instructor and we teach riding skills to individuals with disabilities. I also pursued certification as an equine specialist in mental health and learning which has facilitated me running a Horses for Heroes program to help veterans and first responders and their families.
I have always stayed active in music - primarily through the churches I have been a part of. I currently lead the music and worship program at The Village Church in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
I also have around 30 private piano and vocal students.
