Candidate for
Council Member; City of Albany

I grew up in the small town of Amherst, New Hampshire; graduated from Tufts University with a major in English and a minor in Women's Studies; and have lived in the Bay Area since 1991. My husband and I chose to live in Albany, because we love the culture of community we feel here and the commitment to quality education that exists.

Issues that are important to me include social justice, environmental justice, peace, community building and promoting the common good. I value kindness, compassion, generosity and radical inclusivity. I am inspired by music, poetry and being in nature. I spend a lot of time with family and friends hiking, biking, camping, swimming in the ocean, dancing and making music.

I have been an organic gardener and farmer all of my life, and have been active in the organic foods movement for 20 years. I've had home gardens, participated in community gardens and volunteered in school gardens. I've worked on an organic farm, worked as an organic landscaper and managed an organic retail produce department at a natural foods store. I have been a member of a Community Supported Agriculture Project (CSA). I conducted a field study research project on Women in Agroforestry in Kenya, including Wangari Maathi's Greenbelt Movement and how it applies to rural development. I am a founding member of the Albany Farm Alliance. I strongly support local, organic agriculture in all forms.

I have been studying, teaching and in love with yoga for over 20 years. I study regularly with Natanaga Zhander (Shandor Remete). I trained with the Iyengars in India, and I graduated from the 2-year Advanced Studies and Teacher Training Program at the Yoga Room in Berkeley in 1997. I teach adults and children of all ages. I have taught as a volunteer in the Albany Preschool and two of the Albany Elementary Schools. I have also taught family and kids yoga at the Albany Community Center. My yoga training supports and informs my commitment to personal and planetary health, peace and nonviolence, and community building.

I am the mother of two wonderful daughters, both of whom attend Albany public schools. I am a strong advocate for public schools. I am also dedicated to natural/holistic health, living and parenting. My daughters were both born at home, one right here in Albany.

I have experience working with community organizations addressing issues of peace and justice, women's rights, gay rights and the environment. I have learned how to work with others to build consensus which requires patience, listening, respectful communication and a willingness to compromise. I believe these are valuable and essential skills that I will bring to City Council.