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Since starting at Saint Mary’s in 2009, I have worked alongside the teacher education department as part of the concentrations in JCL. I became an academic because I believed that education was the pathway to liberation and social change. So, in 2023, when I was asked to officially join the KSOE as Associate Dean, I jumped at the opportunity to work more directly with colleagues who are training teachers, counselors and future leaders. 

When we received the CTC Integrative Expansion Grant in 2023, a group of faculty and staff came together and truly transformed opportunities for students. We developed partnerships with four community colleges to create seamless transfer pathways for students to earn their teaching credential and BA in just two years. We also redeveloped all of the single subject curriculum and created over 43 different major pathways for students to get their teaching credentials and BAs in 4 years. We are the only College in the State with this many pathways. This is especially important to me because Saint Mary’s was founded by the original teacher trainer - Saint John Baptiste De La Salle - and so for our school to be leading the way in training teachers in the state is very meaningful. 

First, I absolutely love the sense of community and collaboration that exists in the KSOE. Staff and faculty are creative, thoughtful and believe in our mission. Saint Mary’s students are special. I do not just say that on preview days. Students come to Saint Mary’s because they believe in the mission and values, they see us as a College that changes lives, and in turn, they help shape that change. The goals, experiences and personal growth of our students is always forefront in my mind. And, they have had a huge impact on how I have helped develop new curriculum. Some students asked for a pathway for an MA in Leadership, so we created a 4+1 in JCL. A high school sophomore started visiting Saint Mary’s and wanted to be a high school math teacher, and by the time he arrived, we created a 4+1 Single Subject pathway. In response to our students’ experiences, I am currently working on a Disability Studies minor. This sort of synergy with students is what makes Saint Mary’s such a wonderful place to work.

In the KSOE, we have so many important initiatives and projects underway. Dr. Suzy Thomas just received an amazing grant for school counselors. Drs. Cynthia Goin and Sarah Hawkins have developed three separate residency programs in the Bay Area, our recently revamped EdD in Educational Leadership for Equity and Social Change is so amazing. Last year we introduced a new program - an MA in Forensic Psychology and a Certificate in Trauma Informed Care. We are a relatively small school on campus, but our programs are truly spectacular. It’s one of the reasons I love my job - there is always someone knocking on my door with an idea - a new undergraduate major, a certificate, a new Masters…and I am lucky enough to be able to roll up my sleeves and be a part of the innovation. I am especially excited right now about our work, along with Theology and Religious Studies, to develop an MA in Teaching with an emphasis in Catholic Education. And, as I mentioned earlier, I am collaborating with colleagues across campus to create a minor in Disability Studies. Neurodiversity is a fundamental part of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and this minor can offer a critical lens to understand and advocate for diverse abilities rights. 

Outside of my work at the KSOE, hiking with my dog Bruce (and husband Frank), is certainly my favorite activity. I love being in nature. I love jogging and cycling. In the years since the pandemic, I have become a certified yoga teacher and a certified mindfulness meditation instructor. Yoga and meditation are key to my balance and health - I have even incorporated mindfulness strategies into my meetings and classes. Currently, I am learning Spanish, which is something as a native Californian I think I should be better at. 

“We can bring love and grace into action in any given moment.” A mantra that I live by and a beautiful reminder that with each breath we can choose our response; we can choose what we bring to ourselves and those around us.