My family moved to Hawai`i from New York City when I was 7 years old. My Dad was a salesman and my mother was a sculptor and art therapist. My younger brother was a professional modern dancer and now has a Pilates studio in Santa Fe. I have lived in Hawai`i most of my life and was educated in the public school system.

My family in 1959

 My two daughters were born and raised in Hawai`i and attended Hawai`i public schools. 

As a parent, I have been involved in my children's  education as a volunteer and advocate. I taught my children how to testify  about education when they were in elementary school. I also organized a group of concerned parents to testify and change the A+ program to include parents going to school and in job training.  

---

1973

I know from personal and professional experience how important family involvement is to a child's education. I raised my children in Palolo. When they grew up and left for the mainland in 1999, I moved to the Wai`anae Coast where I became involved with community issues and began canoe paddling! 
 
My professional background includes working in the nonprofit sector for over 40 years with single parents, people with disabilities, children and youth, residents of housing shelters, and the Native Hawaiian community. I have been a grant writer as well as a legislative and community advocate and organizer. 

---

My teaching background has been with diverse groups, from elementary school students, to teenagers and adults in housing shelters.  I  also developed a grant writing course for  and facilitated community groups about various issues.
 
My bachelor's degree is from the University of Delaware with  in psychology and theater. I am retired  quality assurance specialist from the Department of Health,Children and Adolescent Mental Health Division. 

                         

---

---