I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I graduated from Bucknell University with a BA in Human Services. After college, I moved to San Francisco and worked for an environmental organization. During that time, I also volunteered in a kindergarten classroom and discovered that teaching was my passion. I received a ME degree in Elementary Education from Teachers College, returned to the Bay Area, and taught 4th grade. In 2004, my husband and I moved to Eugene. I founded and directed Kid Food Matters to advocate for better school food and was an educational assistant for eight years at Camas Ridge Community School. I especially enjoyed my time working in the kindergarten classroom.
My husband and I have two sons who attend Colorado State University, and a labradoodle named Quigley. My pastimes include playing the ukulele and violin, hiking with Quigley, cooking and gardening, and playing pickleball. I am thrilled to be part of the Vivian Olum community, and excited to play and learn with the Voyagers while helping to cultivate joy and wonder!