Candidate for
Council Member; City of Sonoma

I was born and raised in Fortuna, California, a small town in Humboldt County. Fortuna is about the size of Sonoma. I'm the youngest of six children: I have two sisters and three brothers.

After graduating from high school, I moved to southern California and attended Pepperdine University, where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. After graduating from Pepperdine, I attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where I received a Juris Doctor degree.

Between 1994 and 1997 I practiced law near my hometown, in Eureka, California. I then moved to Portland Oregon (and later Los Angeles) where I worked for Thomson Reuters as a legal research consultant, assisting law school faculties, librarians, and students with legal research and writing.

Since 2005 I have worked for Target Stores as a human resources manager. As a human resources manager, I have gained significant experience solving complex problems related to employment, legal, regulatory, and financial issues. I have successfully managed the human resources budget and operations for over 3,500 employees of diverse economic and social backgrounds, finding ways make their lives better by solving job related problems, building teamwork, and creating great work environments.

As an attorney and expert in legal research and writing, I have learned how to analyze and understand intricate legal, social and public policy issues.

I'm the youngest of six children, with two sisters and three brothers. I met my partner, James, in 2003 and we have a four year old daughter, Noel. We also share our home with two Sonoma-born Goldendoodle dogs, (Pax and Pacey), and a cat (Sister).

My hobbies include spending time with family, camping, fly-fishing, hiking, reading, history and travel.