I was born and raised in Marysville as a third generation Washingtonian.  Granny was a school teacher in Marysville before she met my grandpa, eventually serving on the local school board.  My mom taught kindergarten before she had me. My dad served on the Marysville School Board during my late elementary years.  My sister teaches high school in Monroe and I taught middle school in Snohomish for 22 years.  Education runs deep in my family.  

My husband, Doug, and I built a house in Manson in 2013 as a respite from our hectic work lives and the dreary rain of western Washington. In March of 2020, Doug retired from Leviton Telcom and I continued teaching remotely from Manson.  Fast forward to August of 2021 when I retired from the Snohomish School District and took a much needed break.  But I missed working with students. I was always involved in student leadership as well as teacher leadership. I kept thinking about two women who were role models in my youth. Both continued learning and serving their communities throughout their lives. I strongly felt the impact of their lives and knew that working with Thrive was a must. 

Doug and I have three children. Ian and his wife, Jessica, live in Seattle with my amazing grandchildren (Isla and River). Jordan lives in Snohomish and works for Seattle Children’s, and Kiersten lives right here in Chelan with her fiancé, Reed.  

Nothing brings me more joy than creating an environment where light bulbs go off in one’s mind and new learning occurs.  All students deserve the opportunity to experience “Aha!” moments and that is what Thrive does in so many ways.  I am so thankful and honored for the opportunity to work with students, their families , the Board, and the community of the Lake Chelan valley.