Welcome to Hand-in-Hand!

Assisting preschool-age children in developing skills that help them thrive as they prepare to enter kindergarten and beyond has been a primary focus in my career over the past 32 years, with nearly 21 of those years serving the children of Oak Harbor Public Schools.  I am so proud to work with such an amazing team of passionate educators at HiH, striving to improve the lives of young children in our community.

I received B.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology at California State University, Chico in 1983-a background that provided me with a deep understanding of language development that assists me everyday in working with young children.  I then pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Child/School Psychology at California State University, Hayward (now CSU, East Bay), graduating in 1988.  I worked for Lodi Unified School District in California before relocating to Whidbey Island in 1996- a joyful return to the Northwest for our family!  My husband, Arnie, and I have three grown children who all attended Oak Harbor schools from kindergarten through graduation. I enjoy cooking, gardening, knitting and reading in my spare time. And, of course, am happiest when spending time with my family, and our three Maine Coon kitties!