I have lived in Newport Beach since 2000. I am passionate about learning and helping others. I retired in 2000 to raise a family and have just recently returned to the work force after volunteering the last 15 years. I am a two time cancer survivor and live life everyday filled with gratitude.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married in 2000 to an amazing man that I met 3 weeks before my first cancer diagnosis. We have 2 sons, 21 and 16.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the Executive Director of an Equine Therapy program at Otra Mas in San Juan Capistrano. We partner people with horses in non riding activities. We work with the military, recovery homes, and teens with trauma. It is a very rewarding career.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love The Rusty Pelican, Beachcomber and Eat Chow.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Lived here since 2000. I work in San Juan Capistrano.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I am a big fan Sean Boulton, the principal at Newport Harbor High. He is an incredible leader and awesome human being.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am currently obsessed with Yellowstone and 1883. 1923 is coming!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Everything you experience has value, something to learn from. Find the lesson, even when it’s hard.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Right now, South Africa. I have friends there I miss and I love it there. The animals, the people. It is a special place.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
This is hard. President Obama or Julia Roberts. The Beachcomber for sure.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is our laid back surf culture.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years my youngest will be in college and I will have seen my nonprofit through a huge transition to a new location. I will be traveling all over the world I hope.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an open book so there is very little they don’t know. I think what makes me interesting is that I have overcome some pretty heavy ordeals and allowed them to make me grateful, not bitter.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Hoag Hospital, our weather and sunsets.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sons. They are so much wiser and more accepting of life and people than I was at their age.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sanctuary. Beauty. Gratefulness.
