Tell us about your family:
My husband Travis Chapman and I have three sons, Quinn, Cullen and Cormac.
How many people in your family graduated from LI:
The easier question to answer would be who didn’t. But in all seriousness majority of my family (excluding my spouse and children) are LI Alums.
Tell us about your career:
After graduating from from LI, I pursued my passion for helping others through education, public health, and community service. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree and my Master of Public Health from the University of Vermont, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership, healthcare improvement, and community engagement.
Today, I serve as Director of Quality & Population Health at Choptank Community Health System on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where I lead teams dedicated to improving patient outcomes, expanding access to care, and addressing barriers that impact health and well-being.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been developing innovative programs that connect people with the services they need, from managing chronic conditions and improving preventive care to addressing food insecurity and building community partnerships. I’m especially passionate about ensuring that underserved populations have access to quality healthcare and that every person has an opportunity to achieve their best possible health.
Beyond my professional role, I remain committed to serving my community through volunteer leadership and board service. I am grateful for the educational experiences, mentors, and opportunities that have shaped my journey. The values of hard work, curiosity, and service that began during my school years continue to guide me today as I work to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
What is your favorite or strangest LI story?
That would be the mousetrap car project in science class. My friend Kelley Hever and I were paired up, which immediately put us in the running for "Most Likely to Be Confused by Science." To say science wasn't our strong suit would be generous. The project culminated in a race that made up a big portion of our grade, so naturally we spent countless hours tinkering with our car at my house. My dad even became an unofficial member of the team, offering running commentary and advice from the background whether we asked for it or not. The experience gave us memories and inside jokes that have somehow survived all these years, including the legendary phrase, "Rollin' on Buzz!" By race day, Kelley and I had fully embraced our underdog status. I'm not sure anyone in the class expected us to win. To be honest, I'm not sure we expected us to win!
So, when our little mouse trap car somehow crossed the finish line first, the room was stunned. We were stunned. I think even the mouse trap was stunned. No one saw us coming, including us, which made the victory even sweeter. It's still one of my favorite LI memories because it perfectly captures the fun, friendships, and unexpected moments that made those years so memorable. Sometimes the biggest surprises come from the people everyone else has already counted out.
What would you say to a freshman just starting out at LI that would help or inspire them on their journey:
My advice would be to enjoy the ride and not be in a hurry to grow up. Work hard, take your academics seriously, get involved and try new things! Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, make mistakes, or change direction when you find the one you are heading in no longer serves you. Some of your best memories will come from the people you meet and the experiences you never could have planned. Above all, remember that high school is just one chapter of your story, so make the most of it, be true to yourself, and don’t think you have to have it all figured out by Senior year.
Who was your favorite teacher or staff member at LI?
This is a tough one because it’s a toss-up between Miss Thompson, my Latin teacher, and Mr. Nelson, my history teacher. Miss Thomspon was old school, tough and held us all to higher standards. As I got older, I came to appreciate that behind her tough exterior was a genuinely caring and compassionate person who wanted her students to succeed. Mr. Nelson, on the other hand, fueled my passion for history. His VT history class gave me the opportunity to explore my own family history in the NEK, connecting what I was learning in the classroom to my own roots. Both left a lasting impression on me in very different ways, and I am grateful for the impact they had on my education and the person I became.
Which class helped you the most with your future endeavors?
It wasn't one specific class that helped me the most. In many ways, it was the classes that challenged me the most, particularly math and science. Those subjects did not come naturally to me, but they taught me perseverance, resilience, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. One class that stands out was Mrs. Angell's science class. A project was assigned that provided far less direction than I was used to. This assignment required us to think independently, make decisions, and figure things out along the way. At the time, I struggled. I was the type of student who thrived when given clear instructions and a defined path. Looking back, that experience prepared me for college and my professional career, where we aren't always handed a complete set of instructions for every project or challenge. Often, we have a goal, but we must build the roadmap as we go. Learning that lesson early on helped shape the leader I am today and gave me confidence to tackle uncertainty instead of avoiding it.
What was your favorite lunch from the LI cafeteria?
Big fan of the French fries, yes sometimes that alone was my lunch.
Were you involved in athletics?
I played field hockey, basketball, and softball. There was that one plot twist season my junior year where I was on the basketball Cheerleading team.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“Are You Ready for This? An Unbelievable Collection of Things That Actually Happened to Me”.
What is something at LI that you absolutely loved being a part of?
Without question, Spirit Week and the Pep Rally. I loved everything about it, from spending hours building floats with classmates to getting ready with friends, attending the bonfire, and celebrating afterward. There was an energy and sense of school pride that was impossible not to get caught up in. What I appreciated most was how it brought everyone together. Students, families, alumni, and community members all rallied around the football team and our school, creating a tradition that felt bigger than any one class. Looking back, those events perfectly captured the sense of community that made LI such a special place.
Where was your favorite place to hang out after school?
The lower practice fields in the late summer and fall because field hockey practice and after getting my license it was out on the backroads with friends.
Which event was your favorite during the winter carnival?
Watching the pie eating contest and building the snow sculptures.
What do you miss the most about your time at LI?
The carefree feeling of that time in life. I was strong academically, involved in sports and surrounded by friends who made even the most ordinary days memorable. I miss the simplicity of it all- the laughs, the friendships and feeling that we had our whole lives ahead of us without the responsibilities of adulthood. Most of all, I miss being able to just show up, work hard, have fun and be in the moment.
What is your favorite quote?
There comes a point where we need to stop pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” -Desmond Tutu.
As a public health leader this quote particularly strikes a chord with me because it emphasizes prevention over reaction. Rather than simply treating illness, we need to address the underlying factors that put people at risk.
What type of vehicle did you drive to school?
A 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier. I was most proud of the fact that I paid for this car all by myself and it was standard. I had a fuzzy, sparkly steering wheel that nearly got me in trouble a time or two navigating back roads after school, killing time before practice.
Who was/were your best friend(s)?
I was fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends throughout my years at LI, including many I’d known since elementary school. Along the way, I also made new friends through activities and classes, including several upperclassmen who welcomed me into their circles and helped make those years even more memorable. One friendship that stands out is with Kelley Hever. We became close during our school years and have remained close ever since. We’ve shared countless laughs and memories despite all of life's changes. I'm so grateful for the memories we made at LI, and for a friendship that has stood the test of time and continues to be an important part of my life today.