Monica Huff was born and raised in Clemson, South Carolina and graduated from Daniel High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, a master’s degree from Clemson University in Applied Psychology Human Factors and a PhD in Cognitive/Experimental Psychology from the University of Georgia. Monica has worked for the United States Navy for seventeen years, where she is a Senior Human Factors Psychologist. She recently participated in the Department Of Defense’s Executive Leadership Development Program and is currently working on a Coaching and Leadership Performance Certification through the Defense Intelligence Agency. An avid runner, Monica has completed 111 in-person marathons, one ultra-marathon (in South Africa) and is an AthHalf Half Marathon Legacy Runner (having run it every year since the first one) . Monica has served on several local nonprofit boards and is a founding board member of Athens Road Runners. Monica lives in Oconee County with her husband Reign Streiter, their children Gabby, Scout and Wyatt and their dogs Roo and Harper.

 

 

 

 

 

What do you love most about your career?

 

The times I get to travel and collect data in the field. I have been able to travel to collect data in Djibouti [East Africa], Italy, Spain, Greece and Bahrain. I enjoy interviewing and conducting focus groups with Sailors in the field. I was in Hawaii earlier this year [2000] right before everything started shutting down. That was for a JAG study and an integration of enlisted women in submarines study.

 

So, when you are not working or traveling, what is your favorite thing to do in Athens?

 

I would either say running or eating at local restaurants. It’s best when I can combine the two!

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

 

I think I would say: have fun!

 

Do you have a favorite book that you find yourself rereading, referencing or regifting most often?

 

To Kill a Mockingbird.

 

What is your favorite thing to do as a family?

 

I would typically say to travel, but currently it is to go on a walk or a hike. When we take the dogs, we like to have them off leash so a lot of times we just go to North Oconee [High School]. Without the dogs, I would say I really like going to the Botanical Gardens and we go to Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek.

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

 

Right now, I would like to go to Peru. I would love to see Machu Picchu and have the opportunity to hike around there. [Fellow Face of Athens] Rosy, our neighbor, had a fabulous trip there and has this really beautiful shawl that she got there and I would like to go explore Peru and pick up a shawl too.

 

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Athens?

 

Probably The National, but I also have gotten really into Maepole, especially because you get it ten minutes after ordering it and now you can get a split and do two bases. I love it!

 

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and where?

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg… and I would go to Maepole with her!

 

What is some of the best advice you have ever been given?

 

Be yourself. Leave a trail of your awkwardness behind you.

 

If you could put one message on a billboard, what would you put?

 

I think I would go back to: Have Fun.

 

What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home?”

 

Love, comfort and laughter.