EP #468 - 3.13.2022 - Mothers and Grandmothers in the Pandemic

Today I welcome my stepmother Harriet Knowles and my mother in law Susan Meurling to talk about their lives during the pandemic.

Harriet Knowles is a native Texan, having been born and raised out in West Texas in the town of Midland. She had an unique experience in her high school education in that her father was her school principal. Harriet attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and continued her education at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas to obtain her Physical Therapy degree. She also earned a Master’s in Behavior Science from University of Texas Permian when she worked as a pediatric physical therapist  back in Midland.

Harriet was in the workforce in Physical Therapy pediatric-related jobs and worked for the Austin Independent School District as a Physical Therapist for her last 19 years before retirement.

Harriet lives in Georgetown in the Sun City community with Steve and enjoys her  time by loving on her grandchildren (7 so far!), traveling, and reading.  She is also taking care of her mother who lives with them there.

Susan Meurling is a retired technology educator. She graduated from Tufts University (English major), grad Manhattanville (Ed psych) and Teachers College Columbia (communications, computing, and technology). Taught in Ovid, NY, Scarsdale NY, and Houston (Spring Branch) TX. After tech moved into education, she taught the basics of computer literacy and emerging technologies to kids in elementary and middle school. Supported teachers and administrators in integrating tech into their lives and careers. After retirement, babysat for first grandchild, then helped a Section 8 housing unit set up and use their computer room. Also volunteered at a senior day center in Boston before the pandemic. Since 2013, volunteered on the board and executive committee of a Cambridge non-profit choral organization. Proud parent of two successful professional women, and grateful grandparent of four amazing grandchildren ages 8 to 13.