About Me
When I moved to San Luis Obispo in 1990 to attend Cal Poly, I felt a strong and immediate connection to the place that has since become my home. After graduating with a degree in political science and a minor in women’s studies, I moved to Seattle to earn a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Washington. I also served in the Peace Corps, and currently work for the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.
I moved back to San Luis Obispo in 2001 and now live here with my husband, Jonathan, our 18-year-old son, Payton and our dog, Leo. Because this place is so special to me, I feel committed to making it the best it can be — a place that is welcoming and safe for all, affordable for our families, and a place that encourages and celebrates health.
As a working mom, I understand the struggles of balancing parenting and trying to pay the bills. Even with the pandemic behind us, the cost of living continues to rise and become increasingly difficult for working families. Affordable childcare is scarce. So is safe, affordable housing for many. We need to fix that. My son rides his bike to school, and we ride and walk frequently as a family to reduce our carbon footprint. I want all of us to feel safe on our city’s roads and sidewalks.
A little more about me…in my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling and being outdoors. I enjoy those most when doing them with my family or community. Nothing beats a good run or hike with friends in the local open space or a ride down to Pismo Beach for a big, gooey cinnamon roll! I love to travel and backpack too. But, at the end of a trip, I love that I get to come home to SLO – a beautiful place, but one whose real beauty is in the people and the community we continue to create together.
Professional and Volunteer Experience
I have always been driven by a sense of service. I’ve spent my professional career in nonprofits and in government, including nearly 25 years managing programs for the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. Currently, I am a division manager responsible for programs aimed at improving the health status of locals. Previously, I managed the county’s Pandemic and Public Health Emergency Planning Program, HIV prevention and education programs and case management programs for people with HIV. I also served as a spokesperson for the County Public Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I was unanimously appointed to the City Council in October 2021 by my fellow council members after serving for over a year on the city’s Planning Commission. I also serve as an elected trustee and vice president of the county’s Pension Trust Board and have worked and volunteered with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, AYSO and local schools. Since I have been on the council, in addition to serving as chairperson of the county HSOC, I have also served as our city liaison to the SLO Climate Coalition, and currently serve as our city liaison to the Downtown SLO and Integrated Waste Management Agency Boards of Directors.
