Having just retired as a teacher after 39 years, I am already drawn back to serve the world of education. I want to lead, be visionary, and allow all students to have a positive academic experience and meaningful social development like my children and the thousands of students I educated and mentored during my teaching years. I am confident I can represent the communities of both Del Oro and Placer to provide a bridge between parents and the board to address all education-related concerns.

My vast experience with education, education law, facilities, budgets and financing, and curriculum makes me an ideal school board member.

I moved to Auburn with my family in 2006 to teach at Placer High as the Director of Music. My two children grew up here in town, attending Skyridge, EV Cain Middle School, and graduating from Placer High. Very proud of my two kids!  Placer gave them a well-rounded education and allowed them to try different academic and co-curricular activities.

During my last 20 years at Placer, I taught:

• Wind Ensemble
• Concert Band
• Marching Band
• Pep Band
• Jazz Band
• Winter Drumline
• Concert Choir
• Chamber Choir

Serving Placer High for 20 years was one of the great honors of my life. I was proud of the Superior ratings and numerous awards earned by our bands and choirs, but the greatest reward was watching students grow in confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Through parades, concerts, competitions, performances, and sporting events, the PHS Music Program brought students, families, faculty, and the broader community together. That experience taught me how strong schools are built: by listening, collaborating, setting high expectations, and giving students and educators the support they need to succeed. I am ready to bring that experience and leadership to the PUHSD Board.

For further background, I was born in Arizona but spent my K-12 years in Newtown, Connecticut. I earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and started my career in Entiat, Washington, teaching at a school of 270 students from kindergarten through high school. I earned my Master of Music degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham and taught for 16 years in Yelm, Washington, where I grew the band program from 39 students to 160.

In my “free” time, I enjoy spending time with my son and daughter, playing clarinet in the Sierra Nevada Winds, going to concerts, and hiking in the American River Canyon.

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Professional organizations and awards include:

I am a member of:

• National Association for Music Education
• California Music Educators
• Northern California Band and Choir Directors Association
• California Teachers Association
• Northern California Band Association
• California Band Directors Association

I have been recognized for my work by:

• Auburn Rotary Club
• Veterans Day parade and ceremony organizers (Placer County Council Navy League and the Veterans Day Committee)
• as well as other community groups

I was awarded:

• PUHSD Teacher of the Year (2026)
• Northern California Band and Choir Directors Association Teacher of the Year (2026)
• Placer High School Teachers that Make a Difference (2009)
• Auburn Rotary Teacher of the Year (2023), Education Award
• 2013 Auburn State of the Community Award “Aubie” Education Award
• Named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in 2026

I am also a proud Eagle Scout (1982).