As a lifelong Washingtonian, I have enjoyed living in every corner of our beautiful state. In 2000 I moved to Ellensburg to pursue my passion for helping others. I received a Bachelors of Science in Social Services with a minor in Psychology from Central Washington University in 2004. I continued my educational journey to Cheney and received a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Indian Child Welfare. While at Eastern Washington University I took the opportunity to participate in educational opportunities through courses in International Social Work and spent time in the Caribbean working with the disabled and AIDS-affected Youth and Elderly. Out of this experience, I discovered a passion for travel, specifically to third-world regions like parts of Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, Belize, and Honduras where the people are rich in culture and kindness.  

I have worked both for nonprofits and the State where I spent 12 years at DSHS working with 574 Federally Recognized Tribes throughout the United States and more than 600 Canadian First Nations.  In 2017 I suffered a work-related injury that forced my premature retirement and seriously challenged my understanding of who I was.    

In 2018 I moved back to Ellensburg where the relaxed atmosphere and slower pace better suited my mental health and physical disability. I connected with Central Washington Disability Resources in 2019 and have been a client off and on ever since. I was asked to and excepted a board position with CWDR in 2022.  I believe my life’s journey has purposely brought me to this place in life where I can share my knowledge and experiences with others who have similar passions and struggles.