Announcing my candidacy
I announced my candidacy for the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 2 in May of 2022.
I’m running for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I believe that our public schools play an integral role in our community: the education and development of our youth is paramount. Secondly, this is the way I want to continue actively serving the community I have called home for nearly 18 years. Thirdly, I think I am a uniquely qualified candidate for Area 2. I bring with me a fresh outlook on district issues, much of which comes from my extensive experience in both public schools and our community. I am a pro-public education candidate who advocates for supportive and inclusive schools for all students.
I’m a proud product of California’s K-12 schools as well as the University of California. I grew up only an hour up the road, in Goleta. After nearly 20 years of living in Los Angeles and environs, my husband Tom and I decided to raise our two sons in Thousand Oaks. We were attracted by the open space, the friendly community, and the good schools. Our intention was for our kids to experience a childhood similar to what we had (my husband is also a California K-12 public school graduate). My eldest began his K-12 journey at our neighborhood school, University Elementary. When University was closed, we underwent a search for a new school and ultimately made the decision to move him to St. Patrick’s Day School. Each year we evaluated what options were best for each of our kids; Our youngest eventually enrolled at Los Cerritos and then continued on to Thousand Oaks HS, where he is now.
I am a proud social worker. I went into the areas of social work and public policy because I wanted to make an impact on some of the biggest challenges in our society. I have been a grantwriter for hunger relief, a researcher on poverty-related issues, a hospice social worker, and a nonprofit program manager. Currently I am an Education Research Consultant working in and for public schools. My work – both career and volunteer – has always been focused on working with diverse groups and finding solutions to complex problems. I’m deeply committed to the values of the field of social work, which include integrity, service, and the dignity of every person.
CVUSD’s expanded range of innovative offerings across schools over the last 10-12 years, its continued fiscal stability, and the deeper work being done on issues related to diversity and equity make me very proud of this district. There is still work to be done. As we grapple with so many challenges, we must stay focused on the central goal of educating all students. I am focused on ensuring that we offer opportunities and access for all students, supporting teaching excellence by providing our teachers with the resources they need, and bolstering community connections.
In the work that I do, nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing a teacher working magic in the classroom, or a student glowing with pride after they have figured out a problem or finished a successful presentation. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the future vision and accomplishments of CVUSD.