Petey came to us courtesy of a mid-life career switch and empty nest syndrome.  After years as a writer, editor, mother and civic volunteer, she adopted Independence as her new favorite cause and immediately began lining up internships, service learning projects, and field trips from D.C. to New York for her 105 new children.  She’s also begun to draft select grant proposals, and next year, her fourth at Independence, will take over as shepherd-in-chief of the college application process.