I was born in Portland and I'm proud that Oregon has been my home ever since. I grew up in Wilsonville, with the Willamette River in my back yard, until my family moved to West Linn when I was a freshman in high school. After graduation, I headed south to the University of Oregon to study psychology.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I waited tables in a few different restaurants in the Portland area, taking a break from education and pondering what would come next. Eventually, growing tired of the grind, I started providing support to adults with developmental disabilities in residential settings. This venture led me back to Eugene, where I continued this type of work for some time. In 1997 I met my former spouse who inspired me to return to graduate school to pursue a Master of Science in Special Education. We raised both of our kids, now adults, in Eugene, and the two still live there together while attending school. I go back to visit as often as I can.
Upon completion of my master's and licensure program in 1999, I launched my career as a licensed high school special education teacher. Later, I went on to obtain my Oregon School Administrator's license and worked as an ESD Regional Program Supervisor, a High School Principal and as a Director of Special Education. I also had the privilege of working as a part time instructor for the University of Oregon in the Special Education and Clinical Sciences department.
In 2017, I spent a year back in the classroom with the Jasper Mountain-SAFE Center as a special education teacher for elementary aged students who experienced severe trauma and mental health challenges. Eager to return to administration, I had the opportunity to relocate to Southern Oregon, and found it to be a great adventure. I worked with the Klamath County School District in secondary administration roles for five years before moving the the Rogue Valley in 2023, where I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Madrone Trail Public Charter Waldorf School.
When I'm not at work, you might find me exploring the outdoors, volunteering in my community, acting in local theater, enjoying live music & performance art, traveling, snowboarding, completing home improvement projects, and learning to play the piano.
Upon completion of my master's and licensure program in 1999, I launched my career as a licensed high school special education teacher. Later, I went on to obtain my Oregon School Administrator's license and worked as an ESD Regional Program Supervisor, a High School Principal and as a Director of Special Education. I also had the privilege of working as a part time instructor for the University of Oregon in the Special Education and Clinical Sciences department.
In 2017, I spent a year back in the classroom with the Jasper Mountain-SAFE Center as a special education teacher for elementary aged students who experienced severe trauma and mental health challenges. Eager to return to administration, I had the opportunity to relocate to Southern Oregon, and found it to be a great adventure. I worked with the Klamath County School District in secondary administration roles for five years before moving the the Rogue Valley in 2023, where I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Madrone Trail Public Charter Waldorf School.
When I'm not at work, you might find me exploring the outdoors, volunteering in my community, acting in local theater, enjoying live music & performance art, traveling, snowboarding, completing home improvement projects, and learning to play the piano.