About Me

I have lived in Butte County for nearly 40 years.  I am entering my 27th year as a classroom teacher, primarily teaching English and reading. I have been partially retired since 2021 and currently teach part time at the Center for Independent Study.

Being a School Board Member is an important task, and one I don't take lightly. Students need to feel safe and supported in order to thrive. This is especially so for students with mental health struggles, those with Special Ed needs and Foster Youth. 

I  served five years as a volunteer facilitator for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Butte County's Family to Family class, a 12 week long free educational program offered to family members of persons living with mental health issues. 

While in college (Butte and Chico State) my husband and I worked at a group home for children with developmental disabilities, which influenced us greatly both as teachers and parents. 

When our children were very young, my husband and I chose to be foster parents. For six years we fostered children, mostly teenage girls, through a local Foster Family Agency. In that time we saw firsthand the serious struggles facing children in the foster care system.

It is natural then that mental health, Special Ed, Foster Youth, and literacy all have been key in my role as an educator for 27 years and would be priorities as a Trustee on the CUSD Board if I am given the honor to serve. 

With my husband of 36 years, I have two children, both graduates of CUSD schools (Citrus Elementary, Chico Junior and Chico High ). Our oldest grandchild is entering Rosedale Elementary's Spanish immersion program in August '24. We love to travel as a family, and I have been blessed to travel with both my parents, my children, and now grandchildren. I am the youngest of five children. I love thrifting, remodeling fixer uppers, and creating stained glass pieces.

I am honored to be endorsed by the Chico Unified Teachers Association, and would be grateful to have your vote in November.

Following in his Papa's--and his uncle's--footsteps, my son at Navy Boot Camp graduation!

My dad, "Papa," is a Navy Korean Era Vet. Crater Lake National Park is a special place for our family. One summer Dad actually worked as a boat mechanic out on the island.

While my 4th period's opinion may be unscientific, hearing such affirming words is treasured. Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it has also become increasingly difficult. There is a nationwide shortage of teachers, so CUSD must attract and retain high quality teachers to insure our students have a first class education. When schools are better, cities flourish because businesses invest in them, and property values rise. Having school board members who truly know what it takes for students to be successful is invaluable for the whole community.

My student refused to be in the picture, but helped with the Red Ribbon Week door decorating contest and gave it a Thumbs Up!

At Brennan's in NOLA '24. My own Chico High grads, Class of 2010 and 2013. Go Panthers!

Fort Bragg's Ten Mile Beach was special to my husband's family when he was growing up in Colusa, and now it is special to our children and grandchildren.