Cindy realized in kindergarten she wanted to become a teacher. She attended the University of Kansas for her bachelor's degree in elementary education and taught various K-8 grades. Later, she completed a master's degree in K-12 counseling at Emporia State University.

During the last eight years of her counseling career, she met and fell in love with Gus, her black Goldendoodle. Gus was by her side constantly and helped her tremendously with the Character Education Counseling Program as the school's therapy dog. Gus was loved by everyone.

After 32 years of being in education, she and Gus retired from the school system. Cindy and her husband, Kevin, live on their ranch with their cattle, horses and dogs. They have two grown daughters, "two sons" (son-in-laws) and five grandchildren.