My Commitment to Students and Families
Beyond my professional experience, I understand the challenges and hopes of Medford families because I have lived them. My husband, Jerry, and I have two daughters, Kerra and Kacy. Kacy graduated from South Medford High School, so I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate our local education system as a parent. I firmly believe that education is not a privilege but a right for all children. Our schools must serve every student, embracing the diversity of our community. That means ensuring that our curriculum includes multicultural perspectives, allowing teachers to use their professional expertise in shaping instruction, and preparing students with the real-world skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Jerry and I have been married for 37 years. We love to go on adventures together, like our recent trip to Alaska.
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Our daughter, Kacy, graduated from South Medford High. She went on to earn a BS in Microbiology at Colorado State University and an MS in Global Health and Infectious Diseases at Emory.
Our daughter, Kerra, earned a BS in Community Health Education from Portland State University. She lives in Medford and works in the home healthcare field.
Rooted in Community and Engaged Learning
Outside of my work in education, I am an animal lover who enjoys horseback riding and spending time with my cat. One of my biggest passions is organic gardening. I have connected with many people in our community through my work as a garden columnist for local newspapers. Through my involvement in garden-based programs in schools, I have personally witnessed the benefits of hands-on learning. When students get outside, engage with the environment, and apply what they are learning in real-world settings, they develop critical thinking skills, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for their education. This is the kind of engaging, meaningful education I want to champion for all students in Medford.
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There's nothing more relaxing to me than getting my hands in the soil.
One of my favorite outdoor hobbies is riding my horse Kidair.
I strongly advocate for school-based garden programs like Rogue Valley Farm to School.