"...a story is a much better treatment than a medication - it's cheaper, readily available, and a whole lot more fun."

Mimi retired from counseling in 1999 and now spends her time and energies on her storytelling interests. She is the current Director for the Beaver Creek Storytellers of Bristol, VA-TN, yet continues as an active performing member of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild where she tells stories at Jonesborough's Wedding Loft on a regular basis.

Mimi especially enjoys telling stories of human strengths and weaknesses, "the qualities that honor us yet make us all too human," she says. She is also fond of stories that have some mysterious, even supernatural, element in them and can fill the listener with awe. She has a repertoire suitable for both adults and children and has developed several workshops she can present on subjects such as self-esteem, stage fright, publicity, master of ceremonies, creativity, mentoring, constructive coaching, and conflict resolution.

Mimi has told stories at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA sharing the stage with Elizabeth Ellis, Sheila K. Adams, Carmen Deedy, David Holt, and Dan Keding. In Nov. 2001, she along with several other Beaver Creek Storytellers shared the stage with Donald Davis at a fundraiser held at Hungry Mother State Park near Marion, VA. She was a Featured Teller at the VA Gathering in Williamsburg, VA in 1999 and has appeared at many other Festivals in Virginia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. She has produced many local events in Bristol, including the storytelling portion of the First Annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion in 2001, and has appeared at numerous regional church and civic organizations, as well as schools and libraries.

Mimi has an undergraduate degree in education and a graduate degree in social work, and is very conscious of bringing sensitivity and compassion to her tales, applying humor with a gentle hand. Her stories are sophisticated, gently humorous, and thought provoking but always entertaining whether you are meeting her German immigrant family of 100 years ago, historical persons, or characters based on observations of daily relationships.

Mimi likes to perform to small intimate audiences who appreciate insight, humor, and the skillful craftsmanship of a tale. She also loves to tell to children and before she begins tells them to "make their ears really, really big." The results? One child leaving a performance was overheard to say, "That was the best movie I've ever heard!" Mimi can be booked for 30-60 minute Story performances, or 1-3 hour workshops by contacting her through Appalachianstory@aol.com, or telephoned at 276-669-8358.