As the head of school at Anaheim Hills, I am honored to work with a fantastic team dedicated to helping students succeed. As a proponent of educational paradigms that support access for all students, I firmly believe that education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It is rewarding to serve at a school that has aligned programming with that philosophy.

In my twenty-four years in education, I have had the opportunity to serve in many roles. I have served as a high school English teacher, teacher mentor, department chair, and principal for a public charter school. Also, I taught writing at the university level, and I have owned several small businesses.

As a result, I have had the opportunity to develop curriculum and special programming for at-risk youth, designed and launched an online educational platform option, designed curriculum for A-G and College Board approval, wrote and presented a school charter, and served on several WASC and ACSI accreditation committees. I have extensive experience in policy development and implementation, teacher development, data analysis, and crisis intervention.

I have a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, a bachelor’s degree in communication, and a CTE credential.

I am very proud of my three sons, who have all recently graduated from college, and my husband, an engineer with the Department of Defense. I enjoy reading, boating, skiing, family game night, and time with close friends.

I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, and in 2015 I earned my Masters Degree in Education with a Major in Guidance and Counseling. I have worked in the counseling area for 6 years prior to Futures Academy. I love working with students and  helping them reach their life goals. As the Director of Student Success, I try my best to ensure the students and their families are happy with the services we provide on campus.

In my spare time I love discovering foreign cultures, places, and food with my husband. I can also be a homebody at times, wherein I enjoy home activities like painting, cooking, and watching movies, especially Lord of the Rings!

Fun fact: I love ice cream and I can eat a whole pint by myself.

For 35 years, I have had the opportunity to serve in administrative positions working with CEOs, presidents and several executive management branches at major corporations such as The Los Angeles Times, World Class Distribution (Trader Joe’s), and Obria Medical Clinics. I have also served in various non-profit organizations developing special projects and organizing major fundraising events. I am excited to lend the skills and knowledge I have gained to impact the staff, students, and families here.

I have been fortunate to travel to various parts of the world, including Russia, South America, Italy, Greece and Israel. Also, I enjoy reading, writing and love animals, especially my fur-baby, Delilah.

I am passionate about Futures Academy’s innovative and progressive approach to education. My role gives me the opportunity to do what I love by guiding families and students through the college and career process. I believe that the college process should be fun, exciting and stress free, allowing students to recognize their full potential. My favorite part of my job is pulling out the best skills, passions and talents from students to design an effective, achievable plan for their future success. 

I have had various careers including Independent College Consulting for high school students, a mental health specialist at Seneca where I partnered with school districts to help families and children with their educational needs, Director of Development, Admissions and Marketing, as well as Interim Superintendent for Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, Engineering Regional Sales Manager for Leica Inc., and Founder and President of OC SafeHomes, a non-profit organization that houses human trafficking victims in Orange County.

My life work is ministry focused, working with youth in education and serving the community. I have served on the Laguna Beach Endowment Board, Architectural Design and Review Board, traveled on mission trips to Africa and South America to help children, and continue to volunteer throughout the community. I have a College Counseling Certification from UCI, 2 Bachelor of Science degrees from LTU and an MA in Counseling. I live in Laguna Beach with my husband and have three children.

Over the course of nine years, I served as Campus President at two award-winning vocational colleges, working with my teams to turn both colleges around, tripling student population and launching community outreach and referral generation initiatives that served as a cornerstone for the colleges' success. 

Prior to my career in education, I enjoyed a seven-year career in international market development, living in London, UK and Washington, DC. I earned my MBA from Duke University in Durham, NC and my BA in music from Pomona College in Claremont, CA. I love music and recently played the boomwhackers at a world premiere concert at Pomona over the summer!  

I have a passion for education, exploration and innovation. As such, I am very excited to join the Futures Team, support and serve the campuses, grow the So Cal region and spread the word about Futures throughout California!

My favorite part about teaching is the "A-HA" moment that students experience. My role as a teacher is to help each student and ensure that they are using their time efficiently.

I like to go kayaking, hiking and do karaoke. I also enjoy all things trivia. A fun fact about me is that I have a talent for impersonation and impressions.

I am excited to teach Spanish & Science because I want to encourage students to feel comfortable executing what they learn. I enjoy seeing that “light” go on in a student when they finally understand a lesson or topic they are learning.

I love listening to music, singing, taking walks and hikes with my dog, a German Shepherd. I enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming and playing sports.

Fun Fact: I have 9 siblings.

I love the process of making art and watching students find joy in creative expression. I’ve taught art all over the country including teaching at the Guggenheim Museum. I received my MFA from Pratt Institute.

I enjoy making black and white photographs in the darkroom. I love going to the movies and hanging out with my dog Edie and my cat Dusty. I also love swimming in the ocean.

Fun fact: I started the first girls water polo team at my high school.

I am very excited to teach English and History so that I may share my love of these subjects with students. I have undergone pedagogical training at the University of California, Irvine and have become eager to guide students in achieving their best academic potential. What I love most about teaching is helping students achieve their goals.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and going to Disneyland. When the weather is nice and sunny, I love taking my tortoise MJ outside to sunbathe. 

Fun fact: I love being active, I played more than five sports growing up!

I teach mainly math and physical science classes along with psychology and technology-related classes. I have been teaching here since 2013. I received my BA in Psychology at Cal Poly Pomona and my teaching credential in mathematics from Cal Poly Pomona. I also have a JD from University of La Verne College of Law.

I play and write music, read a ton, and like to study random things that catch my interest.

I love teaching guided study, math, science and other electives because it is exciting to see students learn something new and make connections in their lives. I help guide students with questions and homework along with their everyday needs. 

I have a passion for math and concerts. I do love learning anything related to the sciences.