Q: Current occupation
A: A-G Support Coordinator Warner Unified School District
Q: What post high school education did you pursue?
A: Just three weeks after graduating from Julian High School, I pursued my cosmetology license and began my career as a hairdresser. Over the years, I took on a variety of roles — including lifeguard, receptionist, and waitress — because I’ve always enjoyed staying busy and learning new things. Eventually, I became a proud mother. My daughter Kaylee, now a senior at Santana High School, plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse after graduation. My son Kasen, currently 14, attends Julian Union School District and will be graduating from 8th grade this year. He’s been exploring future careers in either the fire service or military. After working alongside my mom at Pistols & Petticoats for many years, I spent some time living in different cities to see what else the world had to offer. A few years later, I decided to return to Julian and, with that, chose to grow my family once more. My youngest daughter, Grace, recently began Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Julian Union School and will officially start Kindergarten this fall. One of the things I’m most proud of is that all three of my children have attended the same elementary school I did as a child.
Q: Describe your career path and current occupation
A: After years of working in cosmetology and in customer service roles, I discovered a deeper passion for helping others. I began searching for work that truly meant something to me — something that made a difference — and that’s when I became the Resource Coordinator for Julian Pathways. Just six months in, I was fully immersed in the work and was given an incredible opportunity: to bring the same types of supportive services offered by Pathways to the students of Warner Unified.
As I got to know the Warner Springs community, I quickly realized my heart was in it for the long run. That passion drove me to take on the role of Executive Director of the Warner Springs Community Resource Center. For two years, I provided vital programs such as educational workshops, community events, gardening initiatives, food distributions, necessities for students and families, and access to health services, including vision, dental, and vaccinations.
Unfortunately, like many nonprofit roles, the position was tied to limited funding, and by the end of 2024, I had to make a transition. Thankfully, my journey with Warner wasn’t over — I was hired by the Warner Unified School District and began a new chapter just across the highway as the A-G Support Coordinator.
Now, for those wondering, what is A-G? These are the core courses students must take to graduate high school and, even more importantly, to be eligible to apply to a University of California or Cal State school. I hit the ground running in my new role and, in just three months, helped launch credit recovery courses, a Driver’s Ed program and coordinated a College & Career Fair for students from Warner, Julian, and Borrego Springs High Schools. I work alongside our school counselor and continue learning every day — which has inspired me to go back to school myself to pursue a degree in education.
It may take time to figure out your path in life, and for me, I say, “Now in my 40s, I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.” We all arrive at our passions in different ways and at different times, but I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Today, I’m proud to live in the beautiful town of Julian with my three wonderful children. Even more exciting — as a fifth-generation Julian native, I had the honor of running for our local school board last year… and I won. I’m now proudly serving on the Julian High School Board — a position I never imagined I'd hold, but one I’m deeply honored to fulfill.
Julian is, and always will be, home.
Q: Do you have a favorite high school memory you would like to share?
A: My favorite memories of high school will always be my friends. I carry them with me in my heart every day. Some of the most amazing people I shared those years with have been lost far too soon, and the time we had together is something I’ll never forget. The laughter, the moments, the bond we built — it all stays with me. Those friendships shaped who I am, and I’ll always be grateful for them.
Q: How did attending JHS help form the person you are today?
A: I think growing up in a small town — and attending a small school — comes with its own unique set of benefits. In a place like Julian, if you weren’t kind, everyone knew about it. And if you helped someone, well, everyone knew about that too. The heart of someone from a small town is truly like no other.
I’ve always been a personable person, and I believe JHS gave me the sense of security and comfort I needed to feel confident speaking with others. That foundation helped shape who I am today — and it's something I’ll always be thankful for.
Q: What are you most proud of achieving since leaving JHS?
A: Being back as a School Board member. Walking the same halls I once did as a student — now as someone helping guide the future of Julian High School — is something truly special. It's more than just a position; it's a chance to give back to the community that helped raise me.
What makes it even more meaningful is that my own children are now part of this same journey. Watching them attend the same schools I did, in the same town that’s been home to generations of my family, fills me with pride. Julian isn’t just where I live — it’s where my roots run deep. It’s where my family has grown, and where I continue to grow alongside them.
Serving on the board is not just about making decisions — it’s about honoring the past, supporting the present, and investing in the future. For me, it’s all connected — family, community, and the heart of Julian.
Q: What were you passionate about in high school?
A: In high school, I was passionate about the connections I had with my friends and the simple joys of small-town life. I loved being involved — whether it was riding my horse in the homecoming parade with my best friend or making memories with the classmates I’d known since kindergarten.
If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: high school goes by so quickly, and you can’t get those years back. As much as we all looked forward to getting out on our own, take time to enjoy the moment, the friendships, and everything that makes those years special.
Q: What are you passionate about now?
A: My greatest passion now will always be my three children. They are my world, my reason, and the heart behind everything I do. They’ve shaped who I am today, and I’m endlessly proud to be their mom.
Q: What obstacle(s) have you faced that have helped mold you into the person you are today?
A: If life ever handed anyone lemons, I think I got more than just a bag full. Or maybe it's like that old saying — “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Life hasn’t always been rainbows and unicorns, but it's been the challenges, the setbacks, and the unexpected twists that have made me stronger every single day. I’ve learned to find strength in the struggle and purpose in the journey — and for that, I’m grateful.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your high school self?
A: Dream big. Don’t be afraid to chase the life you imagine, even if it feels out of reach. Trust that the hard times will shape you, not break you. Believe in your voice, your worth, and your ability to create a life filled with meaning. You’re capable of more than you know — so never let fear or doubt hold you back.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Teaching 2nd grade at Julian Elementary School — right back where it all began. I hope to be in a classroom full of curious minds, smiles, and laughter, helping guide the next generation in the same small-town school that helped shape me.
