Born and raised in small town Kentucky, I really am a coal miner's daughter. I attended 12 years of public school before receiving my Bachelor of Science at Murray State University. I'm the first in my family to attend college. I later received my Master's degree from Air University through the Air Force. I'm as proud of my blue collar roots as I am my academic achievements because it all made me who I am and helped me to appreciate others for who they are and what they do.

 

After serving my country as an active duty Air Force officer, I worked as a paraprofessional for a year, gaining insight into daily life within the walls of an elementary school as well as a special education resource classroom. I then came to realize that I could be of more service to my community as a law enforcement officer and began my career with the Vacaville Police Department where I served as a patrol officer, field training officer, hostage negotiator, and on the honor guard. During my time as a special agent with the California Department of Justice, I also served as a regional training manager, field training officer, rangemaster, and defensive tactics training officer because education and training has always been a special interest of mine. I continued my military service in the Air Force Reserve, primarily at Travis AFB where I became commander of the 349th Memorial Affairs Squadron.

 

I happily made Vacaville my home 30 years ago.  Since retiring from both careers, I've spent my time driving carpools, volunteering numerous hours at my kids' schools, raising goats, maintaining our small farm, and volunteering with local organizations and events.