For the past four years I've overseen the operations of the Carmel Valley Branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries. I feel like a Jill of all trades managing a busy branch in a rural community that likes to encourage community participation and document its history. I love developing programs and events and promoting the library in the community. I supervise a great staff, provide reference, readers advisory and circulation services, reach out to underserved communities in our service area, maintain the branch facility, and develop the collections.

My public library experience also includes working as an Adult Services Librarian at the Stockton-San Joaquin County Library, as Youth Services Supervising Librarian at the Monterey County Free Libraries, and as Read to Me Project Leader and Outreach Librarian at Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Before working in public libraries, I served for two and half years as Curator and Research Assistant at the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University, organizing and cataloging the archival collections. I have enjoyed researching and cataloging archival and local history collections.

I have been active in CLA, SPLAMBA (School and Public Librarians Association of the Monterey Bay Area), BPLG, and ALA. I interact with and am an active member of many local organizations including the Carmel Valley Garden Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Carmel Valley Women's Club and the Carmel Valley Historical Society.

I am interested in the role libraries play in building healthy communities and bridging community divides. I want to further develop my skills in leading large projects that involve community partners. I also want to become a stronger leader who can help the community I serve overcome challenges.

I am bilingual and enjoy conversing in Spanish. I garden, read, travel and hike with my husband.