Candidate for
State Senator; District 36

I have 41 years of experience in community service, education, and finance to assist me as I work to improve healthcare, protect our environment, promote education, and create partnerships that generate good jobs and better communitiesthroughout the 36th District.

I'm married with two children and three grandchildren residing in the 36th District. I have a Ph.D. in Education (Claremont Graduate University), MA in English and American Literature (University of California, San Diego), MA in Leadership and Human Behavior (Alliant International University), and BA in History (Luther College). I've worked at the high school and college levels as an English teacher and administrator, publishing four books and winning awards from the California School Boards Association and NCTE. I've also served as American Federation of Teachers site representative and on the Lakeside Planning Group.

Since 2000, I've served as District Director of Resource Development for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and currently serve the San Diego + Imperial Counties Labor Council as Director of Training and Development. I also serve on the Targeting Resources Committee for the San Diego Workforce Partnership and State Workforce Investment Board.

I founded Leadership Management International of San Diego to assist individuals and organizations in communication and productivity. I also serve on the State Youth Council and State Veterans Work Group.

I am president of the Heartland Foundation, a charitable organization. I've written grants that generated millions to fund projects in education, workforce training, and economic development. Following the 2003 wildfires, I wrote grants that provided fire survivors with cars and skills to refinance small businesses lost in the fires. I'm a person who gets things done. I've founded and funded eight philanthropic projects in my role as a high school and college teacher and administrator as well as an administrator of local non-profits such as the Labor Council and the Heartland Foundation. The projects focus on environmental protection, workforce and economic development, multicultural awareness, student achievement, and healthcare.

These efforts and others demonstrate my capabilities and commitment to the people and causes of California.