Prior to coming to the WCSD I was the full time music director at San Jose MS in Novato (from 1987 - 2005), where I taught the Jazz Band, Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Chorus.

 

I received my Bachelor's of Music degree from San Francisco State University in 1984 with a double major in clarinet performance, and music education. I completed my teaching credential in 1987, also at SFSU.

 

I had the fantastic opportunity of being a Fulbright Exchange Teacher (through the Fulbright Exchange Program with the Dept of Defense and British Council) in London for the 2001 - 2002 school year.  My teaching year abroad was both the most challenging professional experience of my life as well as the most invigorating!

 

I am currently on staff at the Hayward LaHonda Summer Music Camp as clarinet coach and Junior Concert Band director. I've also been guest conductor at the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, and area honor bands. Additionally, I am an adjudicator for Bay Section's CMEA Large Group Festivals as well as Solo & Ensemble Festivals.

 

I am in my last year as the Immediate Past President of the California Music Educators Association Bay Section after having served two years in the elected position of President Elect, two years as President and now as Past President. I've also held the position of Large Group Festivals Coordinator for the California Music Educators Association, Bay Section (www.cmeabaysection.org) from August 2005 until June 2012. In addition, I was the Coordinator for the Contra Costa County Honor Jazz Bands from 2013 - 2017.

 

I am honored to have been recognized professionally by my community, as well as my peers; I was nominated for and selected as the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Educator of The Year in 2011, and also received the California Music Educators Association Gil Freitas Memorial Award for Achievement in Music Education in January 2012. My most recent recognition came from the PTA for Outstanding Service in April, 2014.

 

In my spare time, I walk dogs as an independent contractor for Wag (a consierge dog walking app), I love to travel with my husband Greg, binge watch TV shows, keep tabs on my 3 step children and go hiking with my dog, Billie Holiday. I also contnue to be an active performer playing my clarinet in the clarinet section with the Contra Costa Wind Symphony and in the clarinet choir Clarinet Fusion.

 

I welcome your input, and look forward to a fantastic year.