I have had an amazing life. I’ve worked really hard for so many years. I’ve taken on huge challenges and been successful because of perseverance, patience and a strong desire to fully understand anything I do. I am naturally scientific. I’m a risk taker. Willing to extend myself far out my comfort zone. I study a lot, take the time to observe and are always striving to improve and be the best version of myself.
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California spending the weekends body surfing at Cowell Beach. I stayed local all though my school years, graduating with a B.A. in Psychobiology (Neuroscience) from UC Santa Cruz.
While finishing my degree I worked as a Research Assistant for the Equine Research Foundation, studying cognitive (learning) capabilities in horses. It was one of the best things I ever did. I learned so much about horse culture and it is that foundation that enabled me to be really good at training and establishing a positive bonding relationship with horses.
Shortly after graduation, I was hired to establish a purchasing department for a Biotechnology company. This was a great experience at working with a start-up company and watching how a young company rapidly grows and is successful. I feel very fortunate to have worked with so many top notch people and today I think it is still one of the best teamwork environments I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.
Wanting a new challenge and more intellectual stimulation, I applied for a job as a Forensic Scientist. I had to quit my paid job and intern for a year for free to land the position. It was an amazing career. I worked in several subject areas finally specializing in Firearm and Toolmark identifications.
When motherhood and a maintaining a career became a conflict, I was offered an opportunity to be a stay at home mom and run, a then, small business as a horseback riding school manager. That endeavor became one of my biggest accomplishments. I performed business development that turned a fledgling riding school into the most sought after and emulated program in the SF Bay Area as well as becoming one of the most recognized Pony Club Riding Centers in the nation.
I am woman of many passions, have been told that I have an addictive smile and make everyone’s day better just to see it. I am so excited about the sport of kiteboarding, enjoy continuing to train horses and riders, and most of all, are focused on Motherhood.
My mantra is: Be Brave. I am fortunate to know so many strong, independent and amazing women. Life is hard for sure, and some have it harder than others. I’ve come to the opinion, that bad things happen to strong women, because she will change the world to make it a better place for others. I have seen great determination in women I know who are suffering severe health issues, yet fight to find medical solutions that will help others. We all say the same thing, ” I am so tired”. Yet, each day we get up and try again. We keep going.