My hometown is just outside of Chicago, Illinois. I like to think I received the best of both worlds by working on my undergraduate degree in both Dubuque, Iowa and London, England. I earned a Criminal Justice degree with an emphasis on juvenile justice.

During and after college, I worked in various settings serving the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. After surviving too many Midwest winters, I was ready for a little California sun! I accepted a position as a child care worker at a residential facility in Sonoma, California.  The residential facility worked with at-risk young men. Over the five years I worked as a child care worker, I grew both personally and professionally. I strengthened my leadership skills through my position as a house supervisor; I was responsible for a house that cared for twelve young men and employed four staff. While working with at-risk youth, I found my talent to been in leadership and education. I am driven to connect with our community’s youth and be a part of empowering them to grow both academically and socially.

I am currently at the end of my credential and masters program in Special Education at San Francisco State University. I have taught in a Sierra School classroom for two years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with an amazing group of professionals. We share the common goal of providing specially designed instruction to emphasize students trengths and implementing a specific behavioral management system to enable students to grow socially. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I work with such gifted adults who are truly devoted to the success of EVERY ONE of our students.

I am thankful for my position of Director of Sierra School of Sonoma County. I will always give my very best to be a valued leader who sets the tone for a positive environment that promotes personal growth within the school’s students and employees.