Our Staff

Making a difference in the lives of children and families has always been a source of passion and purpose in my life! After earning my master’s degree, I spent over 20 years implementing programs to address the developmental and behavioral needs of young children, with additional focus on the child welfare system.

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In 2019, I relocated to Humboldt County and was honored to join CASA of Humboldt in 2021.

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At CASA of Humboldt, we have a unique opportunity to be a part of our community. When we offer children and their families a sense of hope combined with tangible assistance, the course of their lives can be changed. They can envision a new future-- no longer defined by mistakes of the past, but one that is filled with potential.

 

I am grateful to share my life with my husband, daughter, and our two dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and kayaking.

With a degree in Social Work, and as a former foster, now adoptive parent my passion for families involved in the child welfare system runs deep.  My career began in children’s mental health and program development for children and families affected by incarceration.  Eventually, my focus shifted to the marketing, philanthropy, and community relations side of non-profits.

Outside of the office I stay involved with the community and enjoy soaking up the sun wherever that may lead.  2020 was a year full of the unexpected including the arrival of twins! Through adoption, marriage and birth our family is now complete with seven amazing human beings that I have the privilege of mothering.

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I am honored to be the link between our marvelous donors and the unbelievably wonderful work our CASA volunteers do.  Together we are truly creating change.  

I have a degree in Child Development from the now Cal Poly Humboldt. Before joining CASA of Humboldt, I worked in a local public school district as a child development specialist, working with ages 2 to 5 years old.

 

I joined CASA in early 2022 to combine my passion for advocacy and love of children and families.

 

Outside of work you can find me enjoying board games with my partner, going on walks with my dog or enjoying a warm day by the river.

Working with children and families in our community is something I have loved doing since I relocated to Humboldt County in 2016. I have a Degree in Child Development from Humboldt State (now Cal Poly Humboldt) and a background working in childcare which has led me to understand the importance for advocacy for children and families.

I excitedly joined CASA in early 2023 and am grateful to have the opportunity to serve our community in a different capacity. Working for CASA allows me to incorporate my experience working within the community into the advocacy work that we do.

I feel lucky to live in Humboldt County where, in my free time, I can go hiking, biking, kayaking, and explore the nature that this place has to offer.

I have been a CASA advocate for two local children since 2021, and I am so excited to be in a role where I can help other volunteers engage with this fulfilling, important work supporting the children living in foster care in our community. I am also looking forward to helping our youths get connected to the support and resources they need through CASA and elsewhere. I believe that supporting the children in our community is the most important work we can do to make the world a better place for everyone.

 

Before joining CASA of Humboldt, I worked as a copywriter and content strategist for startups and independently for 12 years. When I am not at work, I can be found exploring the beauty of Humboldt County with my husband, two kids, and three dogs, or sipping a latte and writing in my journal at a local coffee shop.

Before coming to Humboldt, I worked in K-12 special education and student support services in rural Hawai’i (Ka’ū, Big Island), particularly with students receiving multi-systemic services (combinations of educational services, intensive psychiatric/mental health services, and often also placed in foster care and/or involved in the juvenile justice system). 

I came to Humboldt for graduate studies and earned a Master’s in Sociology. I was the Executive Director of the Pacific Sociological Association 2014-2023.

At CASA, I enjoy working with data to support the work of my colleagues and the CASA volunteers as they in turn support youth and families.

Outside of work, I love digging in the dirt and watching plants grow, getting outside in the forests and by the ocean, and making things with fiber (weaving, sewing, quilting…).

Having been born and raised in Trinidad, California, Humboldt has always had a special place in my heart. After studying in South Korea and receiving my bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara in 2022, I spent several months backpacking Southeast Asia. Following my travels, I returned to Humboldt County and dedicated myself to working with the youth in our community within the public school system. I joined the CASA of Humboldt Team in 2024 and am excited to continue to support our community in a meaningful way. 

 

When I am not at work I enjoy trying not to embarrass myself at weekly Zumba classes,  reading, and hanging out with my friends and family. 

I was born and raised in Humboldt County, which has cultivated a deep appreciation for the vibrancy of this area, combined with expansive curiosity and compassion about the unique challenges within this community. While obtaining my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I became especially interested in exploring how we can relieve the detrimental outcomes of adverse childhood experiences. Above all, I learned that building a secure attachment with a caring and trusted adult can profoundly influence the trajectory of a child’s development. Drawing on individual strengths to build resilience and confidence creates a foundation of support as children navigate their lives.  

I recently graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt in the Spring of 2024 and became part of the team here at CASA of Humboldt shortly after. CASA allows me to put my passion into action by providing direct support and advocacy for youth and their families. I couldn’t be more grateful to be contributing to the healing of the next generation in a community I love.  

In my free time, I enjoy being outside exploring the beauty of the natural world with my friends, my partner, and my two dogs. At home I enjoy cooking and crafting!