Education

• National University, MS Educational Counseling, 2016

• Simpson University, BA Organizational Leadership, 2009

Experience

• West Valley Early College High School, Counselor, 2018-present

• Shasta College, General Counselor, 2019-present

• Youth Options (Previously Youth Violence Prevention Council), PlusONE Mentors Coordinator, 2013- 2017

• AmeriCorps – North Valley High School, Teen Resource Specialist/CAL-SAFE Coordinator, 2012-2013

• Enterprise Elementary School District, Resource Aid, 2011-2012

Family

I’m originally from South Dakota, but moved around quite a bit as a child while my dad served in the US Air Force. We settled in Redding in 2010. I graduated from Enterprise High School in Redding, went to Sacramento for about a year to go to American River College, then returned to the Redding area to finish my education.

My family consisted of me, my husband, who is an elementary school counselor, and our daughter, who attends West Valley. We have a lot of extended family in the Redding area, Oregon, and Utah. We visit them often and love to travel. We have one dog (Remy), 2 cats (Momo and Silk), and we even have 2 rats (Topanga and Paige).

Why I’m a Counselor

It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do for a career. I tried several different jobs in the legal field, nonprofit, and then eventually education. I realized that I want to be able to help students – academically, socially, emotionally, and in finding their college/career goals. I enjoy working with high school students specifically because I believe the high school years are where students make the most growth and are trying to navigate being a student, yet preparing for the real world upon graduation. I am also a part-time counselor at Shasta College which really helps our students at West Valley that transition to Shasta College.

Outside of Class

When I am not at work, you can find me in my “reading nook” at home with a nice cup of coffee or tea. Or out with my family and friends. We enjoy the outdoors and go hiking whenever we can. We also love to travel and visit universities. I also love to cook, rarely do I make the same thing twice!! We go to local theater shows often as well; my daughter and husband have both performed with Cascade Theatre’s productions.