I am a mixture of calm balance and silly fun. I believe this is because I have always worked closely with children and teens. They have taught me to enjoy all of their complexities and treasure their silliness. Because of my experience as an elementary school teacher, I enjoy exploring, learning, and reading outside under big trees, on the beach, or in cozy indoor spaces. A few years ago, I shifted my profession to youth and family counseling, which has sparked an interest in incorporating mindfulness and self-care in my life. Outside of work, I am a hiker, swimmer, ocean paddler, kitty-chaser, card game player, and the funnest aunty ever!

My grandmother still lives in the split-level home where so many of my favorite childhood memories were made. Every birthday and holiday brought our large family together—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and now their children—for food, games, laughter, and connection. Christmas Eve remains our most treasured tradition. Everyone gathers at my grandmother’s home with potluck dishes while the children play with the same toys my dad and aunts once enjoyed. Later in the evening, “Santa” arrives wearing the same costume my grandmother lovingly stitched many years ago. The joy, laughter, and togetherness of those evenings mean so much to me.

In recent years, new traditions have formed around my young nephew. Each summer, my family spends a week together so we can be part of his everyday routines and create meaningful memories.

My family also shares a special connection to Hawaii, where my parents purchased a condo years ago that remains in the family today. Watching my nephew enjoy the same pool and traditions I loved as a child makes me excited to one day share these experiences with a child of my own.

I live in Washington near Puget Sound and a large bustling park with many playgrounds, playfields, an outdoor summer pool by the water, and baby wading pools. Just down the way is a ferry that connects my neighborhood to the outer islands. My home has three bedrooms and offers space for indoor and outdoor play. The neighbors are so kind and everyone is outside walking the neighborhood and park daily.

Bella is my sweet and spicy kitty. She has been with me since she was four weeks old and is now a hanai family member. She insists on boxes that are too small and tiny stuffed animals for her daily fun. The community, home, kitty, and myself are ready to share our fun and caring life with the special baby who joins our family.

I am of Irish-German descent and come from a hardworking Washington State family rooted in resilience and strong values. I was raised among fishermen, loggers, meat cutters, and music-makers who taught me the importance of honesty, kindness, and hard work. Growing up, I spent summers on the water with my parents and younger brother, boating through the San Juan Islands, fishing for dinner, swimming in the Puget Sound, and camping together. Family camping trips with cousins, campfires, and quiet mornings cooking with my grandfather remain some of my favorite memories.

Living and working in Hawaii for the past 20 years has also deeply shaped me. I’ve embraced the Hawaiian value of “ohana,” meaning family before self and caring for others with inclusion and respect.

I am deeply family-, team-, and community-oriented and value integrity, generosity, connection, and respect. I look forward to sharing these traditions and values with a future child.