Even though my father died when I was young, my brothers and I were surrounded by a loving family and a supportive community. Our small town built a swimming pool so we could learn to swim. Our school district sponsored a no cost craft and activity summer program. The high school band practiced all summer, frequently travelling to parades around the area. Our neighbors knew us and everyone reported our misdeeds to our mother. My cousins were nearby and our families ate Sunday dinners together in every season. Teachers challenged us to learn and schools expected respectful behavior. 

When I went to college, I studied to become the teacher I had always wanted to be. My first years of middle school teaching were marked by a remarkable team approach. My partner and I learned to teach as colleagues and critics. We arrived in Alaska in 1974 and I was hired to teach reading at Palmer High School. I ended 25 years at PHS in 1999, after teaching Reading and English and working as Principal for nine years. I think the principalship was the most rewarding of my career, as I could work with teachers to improve schooling for all our students. 

After a brief retirement, I went back to the school district and ultimately was chosen to be superintendent. I held that challenging position for about two years and retired again. After another brief respite, I was hired as Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I worked there for 10 years and had an opportunity to direct a federal partnership grant which involved eyeopening travel to rural and remote Alaska.

Now I am retired for good and spend my extra minutes learning to play a mountain dulcimer, volunteering on the board of directors at the Palmer Museum of History and Art and serving on the advisory board of the Palmer Community Foundation. I also keep busy working to live and support the values of the Alaska Democratic Party and the Mat-Su Democrats.