About Me
My background
- Raised in a small town in Oregon, educated in public schools.
- Bachelors from Westmont College and MA from CSUF
- Moved to Fullerton in 2012 with husband and two children, currently attending Raymond Elementary DLA.
- 20+ years experience as an advocate for children, especially the most vulnerable.
- Worked as an Education Policy Officer and Child Protection Specialist for World Vision International. Spoke on the floor of the United Nations and in dirt-floor classrooms advocating for children.
- Developed International curricula to support child participation and helped students around the globe find their voice and work with adult leaders for needed change.
- Champion for Vulnerable Children; served on the UN Global Advisory Group on Violence Against Children, UN Girls Education Initiative, Global Education Campaign, and World Congress on Child Sexual Exploitation.
- As an Educator, worked with Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice since 2013 as an adjunct professor, mentor, coach and community trainer on human trafficking, youth empowerment, and the prevention of sexual exploitation of children.
- Coach a student, anti-human trafficking awareness group, reaching thousands throughout OC.
- Developed and implemented human trafficking prevention programs in two Santa Ana high schools.
Skills & Volunteer Experience
- Founded and led the Fullerton Anti-Human Trafficking Partnership in 2019, promoting collaboration, training of Fullerton Police Department, awareness and prevention in our community.
- PTA Leadership Team at Raymond Elementary (Executive VP, Chair for Book Fair, Fun Run, Red Ribbon Week, and Talent Show, Love Fullerton lead, and PTA advocate in Sacramento.)
- Coordinated safe solutions with city leaders, school and district administrators, and parents, following three major traffic accidents near Raymond Elementary.
- Developed and distributed sexual abuse prevention content for FSD schools in March 2022.
- Trained teachers, community members, non-profit leaders, and faith-groups to recognize human trafficking and prevent sexual exploitation of children.
- Serve on FSD Wellness Advocacy Council and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee.
- Member of Fullerton Collaborative, Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.
- Regular volunteer at the Heart of Fullerton Food Bank.
- Board Member of the Global Center for Women and Justice.
- Serve on Congresswoman Young Kim’s Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force
Who I Am
- I am married to my college sweetheart Matt; we love waterskiing, dance parties in the kitchen, and traveling as a family.
- I am a mama to two amazing daughters, who delight and challenge me to be the best parent and person I can.
- I am a daughter, sister, auntie, granddaughter, cousin, and keeper of kinship.
- I am a loyal friend who loves parties, book club, and deep conversation.
- I am deeply committed to living in a way that makes a positive difference in the world; pursuing love, justice and mercy.
- I am a peacemaker, a bridge builder, and a community organizer who desires to bring people together through a shared focus on what is best for our kids. I love moving people from fear to curiosity and compassion, and creating space for marginalized voices to feel at home and empowered.