What does that entail? I oversee the day-to-day operation of the MC Student Health Center and work with other campus departments to give a health perspective in support of our students. The health center staff is awesome, which makes my job joyous.
How long have you worked for the District? I worked as the Student Health Center Health Educator for nearly 7 years before moving into my current role.
Were you a student at one of the District’s colleges and if so which one? What was your major and your degree? I was not a student at one of the District’s colleges, but I did attend a community college in the San Francisco Bay Area at Diablo Valley College. I did most of my general education there, as well as my pre-nursing classes. I transferred to CSU Chico, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Are you from the area and if not where are you from? I was born and raised in Martinez, California, in the East San Francisco Bay Area.
Share something personal about yourself: I have an obnoxious cat named Buggles. He “talks” a lot and believes that all laps belong to him. He often “helps” me teach my yoga classes via Zoom, which I do twice a week. I am an avid reader, and I love to quilt. I also hike a lot and love to spend time with my kids, their spouses, and granddaughters Gwen (11) and Zoey (almost 4).
My husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing, gardening, and doing our various house projects, too.
What do you find rewarding about your job or career? I really love promoting health and always have. Especially at the young adult stage, students are willing to learn how to make positive life changes and have the support to do so—it’s the perfect time to teach them about taking care of themselves to prepare for the years they have ahead. I also enjoy working with all my on- and off-campus colleagues.
Two words to describe yourself: Generous, determined
Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what? I volunteer with AFS-USA, which is the oldest high school international exchange program in the world. I went to Turkey as an AFS student in high school, started volunteering as a host mom to an AFS student from Italy in 2004, and haven’t stopped. I really enjoy working with our students and their host families to support them as they move through the program.
