I've had a lifelong appreciation and a deep respect for children and their growing and learning processes. As the middle child of 5 siblings one of the earliest indications of my interest in child development was, at age 3 1/2. The story goes that I repeatedly told my mother, pregnant with sibling number 5 at the time, that I really, really wanted a BIG sister!

I enjoyed school as a successful student. In my small high school I got to be a cheerleader, a twice lettered athlete (volleyball and basketball) thanks to Title 9 and a thespian in the speech & drama club. We even achieved reaching the regional finals of the state theatre contest. I then earned my bachelor’s degree from a small state school, where I was a cast member of a winning musical play of the National College Theatre Award performed in the Kennedy Center.  At Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling I received my Master in Counseling Psychology for Children and Families.

My professional mission has fully developed into supporting as many children, families and educational professionals as possible in creating and enjoying school as a safe and welcoming place: a place where knowledge and experiences expand and fortify lives of wonder and learning. That is what I had. My time on sports teams, student council, and speaking in front of people are life skills I for which I am grateful. 

I am very happy to be with the NWRESD to share the importance of social emotional learning, mental health, and wellness for ALL our region's students, their families and our outstanding educational staffs!

I am especially grateful for this opportunity to share with you here at the Deeper Learning conference the Gifts of Gentle Acceptance!