Mentor Biography

I was born and raised in Menlo Park, California and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Santa Clara. The VISTA Volunteer program first brought me to Alaska to develop a preschool program in Toksook Bay, a Yup'ik Eskimo village on Nelson Island. I spent three wonderful, memory-making years there, (the last two with the Jesuit Volunteer program). Those little people definitely helped me find my passion for teaching. My husband, Andy, and I arrived in Fairbanks in 1978 for his new job at University of Alaska Fairbanks. I stayed home while our four children were growing up before completing my K-8 Alaska Teacher Certification at UAF. I received my Masters in Education (Language & Literacy) from there, as well. I retired after 22 years of fun, teaching in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. In my spare time, I love to spend time with our four children whose families include six grandchildren, all living right here in Fairbanks. I had been reading about and admiring the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project for so many years and am thrilled to be part of the UGO project in Fairbanks this year. There is absolutely no profession better than being able to spend time with curious kids, guiding them through periods of their life discoveries as they develop into contributing citizens of our communities and our world. Helping to guide enthusiastic new teachers in this same work is a thrill to be a part of! I know I will also continue to learn and grow from the amazingly dedicated mentors, coaches and staff who make this program work.