I was born and raised in Watsonville. Attended local schools including Cabrillo College and U.C. Santa Cruz. Received my Masters at San José State University. I recently retired from the PreK-12 educational system, having worked as a classroom aide, teacher, and administrator for 28 years. Also, after 20 years I  retired as a Trustee for the Cabrillo College Governing Board. I have an adult son and daughter and five grandchildren. My son is a clinical psychologist in East Los Angeles and my daughter is an office manager in PVUSD.