Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Rescue Union School District

I am the parent of 8 children and grandparent of 3; four of my own children and four through marriage. Of my eight children one is a GATE student, two are identified with learning challenges, and three are on the Autism spectrum. Two of my children attend school in the Rescue Union School District; Jackson Elementary and Marina Village Middle School.

Children are my life and inspiration. I developed a passion in educational advocacy and consulting when the educational needs of my own children were not being met. I am both personally and professionally dedicated to representing the educational rights and success of students and ensuring that all children receive an appropriate and effective education.

Following a successful 18-year career in administration and management with High Technology Fortune 500 companies, including IBM and Cisco Systems; I returned to school and started a new professional journey as an Educational Advocate and Consultant.

In 2005 The US Department of Education provided a grant to develop a uniform training program to produce highly competent special education advocates. The student identification process for this specialized program was highly selective and competitve, of which only twenty students were selected. I was one of the twenty students accepted into this first nationwide advocacy certification program; demonstrating my qualified background and commitment to educational advocacy. The SEAT program was partnered with the University of Southern California-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), and the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

For over 10 years now I have partnered with parents to work with school district's, educational experts, and child development professionals advocating for the educational rights of our children within the public school systems throughout California.

Through my personal and professional experience I have gained an extensive knowledge and understanding of our education system, the growing concerns and challenges of parents and educators, the evolving educational needs of our children, and the laws and principles governing children's educational rights. My motivation and desire to see children learn and grow through positive educational experiences is driven by my passion for children and my concern for their future.