Annette Schiro was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, where she lived for 46 years. She is the second generation to be born in America of Sicilian immigrants, and still enjoys learning to speak the Italian language. She loves traveling, ballroom dancing, and arts & crafts. She is a Graduate of Rockford Business College, where she studied Bookkeeping and small business management. She attended Rock Valley College, where she studied psychology, science, and art, and graduated with honors, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Annette was self-employed for almost 20 years, refinishing and restoring antiques and pianos. After selling her business, she attended Wagoner Leadership Institute and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Practical Ministry in 2001. Annette currently resides with her husband Stephen Boatright in southern Illinois.