I was born into the strong Roman Catholic family of Richard and Mary Ann Hester.  I have eight brothers and seven sister, of which I am number nine in the line up.  I was born on November 19,1968 in Philadelphia, PA.  I have lived in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia during my young life.  Growing up I attended both Public and Catholic schools.  I graduated from Lacordaire Academy in Upper Montclair, NJ in 1986 and went right into the work force as a secretary while taking a few night courses at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ.  In 1990 I left my job to attend Christendom College in Front Royal, VA where I received a BA in Political Science and Economics in 1993.

          While I was a student there I worked as a crisis pregnancy counselor, waitress, legal secretary, haircutter, housekeeping crew for the college, and picketed abortion clinics for the Shield of Roses Pro-Life Group.   I also had the joy of learning the history of the Church and her teachings from the best Catholic teachers in their fields; Dr. Warren Carroll, Dr. Timothy T. O'Donnell, S.T.D., Dr. William Luckey and so many more.

          After I graduated I went to work for Congressman Chris Smith from NJ, taught 1st grade at St. Casimir's Academy in Newark, NJ, and then worked on the mayoral campaign of George Marlin.  During this time I unsuccessfully ran for Congress.   I met and soon married my husband Brendan, who comes from Ireland.  We have been blessed with six beautiful children during our 12 years of marriage, five girls and one boy.  One of which (Fiona) has gone home before us at the tender age of 23 months.  I consider myself extremely blessed not only for my Catholic faith, and extensive Catholic education, but also the opportunity to share it with others.