I grew up on Samish Island in Skagit Valley in a house on the shore fifteen miles from town. I am happiest walking in the woods, on the beach or paddling around (in calm water) camera in hand. When the weather brings us inside, I enjoy reading making jewelry, cooking, relaxing with my husband and son, and visiting family and friends. I am excited to have a little piece of Vashon to plant flowers and vegetables on (behind a deer fence apparently!) and to make our home.

I have worked in schools for 12 years: in the Bethel School District in the ECEAP/SPED preschool and in Lake Stevens and Seattle School Districts as a school counselor. I have a master’s degree in school social work which is the underpinning for how I work: a relationship-based, community focused, strength-centered, contextual approach. I can be the most useful when I understand the family and the child’s perspectives, when I know all the dynamics in a child’s situation and not only the skills a person may need, but those that can be built upon. I tell the students that I am a parent helper, a teacher helper and a kid helper; I am here for everyone and am glad to join the Chautauqua team.