I was born in Long Beach, CA. I developed an interest in music, science, and math when I was probably in first or second grade. I excelled in these subjects along with playing piano and trumpet, and many sports. My career background has been a combination of educator, trainer, mentor, musician, and supervisor.
College
During summer breaks, I was a lifeguard supervisor at a summer-camp and trained my volunteer staff in swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, rowing, and other waterfront activities. While an undergraduate student, I became a professor's aide in the Biology Department at CSU Fullerton. There, I realized I had a skill as a classroom teacher. Although this was a challenging role, I completed my Biological Science degree and taught lessons plus served as a volunteer lab assistant, where I gained valuable experience. I recently completed the required credential coursework in secondary science education at CSU Northridge.
Career
In my early career, I started as an Emergency Department Nurse Assistant at a large hospital in southern California. I learned the protocols of being a team member in trauma and Emergency Room services -- assisting surgical teams, the ER team, and other hospital medical staff. When I finished my program at CSU Fullerton, I moved to the mountains and grasslands of California where I worked as a field scientist and trained other scientists. Eventually I moved back to Los Angeles and continued to work as an instructor/trainer. I became an environmental consultant and eventually worked for the Disney Corporation and a large horticulture operation. I earned state licenses in water treatment plus water distribution, and am a published writer (https://www.apogeepublications.com/emags/source_winter2013/page_11.html).
Volunteering
I volunteer with several organizations (past and present): Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Aquarium of the Pacific, and my church.