Candidate for
Board Member; Soquel Union Elementary School District

In 1972, I came to California from Greenville, South Carolina with the US Air Force as a nurse anesthetist. I was stationed at Mather Air Force Base (AFB) in Sacramento and at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. In 1974, I transferred from active to reserve duty with the 65th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Travis AFB. I went on to serve a total of 29 years in the Air Force Reserve, 10 years in air evacuation, and the remainder in hospital squadrons. In 1990, I was recalled to active duty for five months in support of Operation Desert Storm. I retired at the rank of Colonel in August of 2001.

In 1975, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, and in 1998, I transferred to Kaiser San Jose and moved to Capitola. For 32 years I was a department manager. I still work part time and commute two to three times a week over the hill.

I am an active member and past president of the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists. For ten years I was the Chair of their Government Relations Committee. I also belong to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the Association of California Nurse Leaders.

Governor Pete Wilson appointed me to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in 1998 and I was reappointed by Governor Gray Davis. Of the six years I was a member of the BRN, four were as President of the Board. I also chaired the Education and Licensing Committee which had oversight and approval authority for all entry level nursing programs in California as well as the RN licensing examination through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Members of the BRN are all appointed (not elected) by the governor or members of the legislature. I belong to the Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce, Santa Cruz Republican Women Federated, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Reserve Officers Association. My private pilot license is presently inactive.

Walking is my preferred method of transportation around Capitola along with my 15 year old dog, Peaches. I grow cactus and succulents and fly a 5x8 foot American flag in front of my house.

I feel strongly that we have a positive impact locally when we think and vote.