I was raised in Selma, Oregon, with my family's roots in the Illinois Valley going back generations on both sides. I attended Selma Elementary School and Lorna Byrne Middle School through the seventh grade before continuing my education in Grants Pass. Later, I completed high school at Willamette High School in Eugene and pursued criminal justice studies at Lane Community College.
After starting my family in Veneta, Oregon, I became deeply involved in community leadership, volunteering as a basketball coach every season and working with young athletes from their early years through high school. This experience reinforced my belief in service, teamwork, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
During my time in Veneta, I became one of the highest-producing mortgage brokers in Oregon, specializing in VA and FHA loans. I dedicated myself to helping veterans, first-time homebuyers, and working families navigate obstacles on their path to homeownership. Additionally, I assisted homeowners with streamlined refinances, significantly lowering their interest rates and monthly payments.
The fulfillment of helping families purchase their first homes or alleviate financial burdens was incredibly rewarding. This role provided me with valuable experience in housing, finance, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the real-life challenges families face while trying to secure their futures.
I later moved to Maui, where I spent a decade building and operating a thriving business that served both Maui and Oahu. At its peak, the company employed up to 60 people. After selling the business and returning to the mainland, the first subdivision I invested in was Pomeroy River Estates in Cave Junction.
Since my return to the Illinois Valley, I have focused on bringing quality homes and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods to the community. I take pride in what we have accomplished at Pomeroy River Estates and believe it is a development our entire community can be proud of. Additionally, I have continued to develop subdivisions in other parts of Oregon, gaining valuable experience in business, housing, infrastructure, budgeting, and promoting responsible growth.
Of all the places I have lived and worked, I chose the Illinois Valley as my home. My return as an adult has given me a renewed appreciation for Cave Junction, its people, and the unique character of our valley. As a committed Cave Junction mayor candidate, I am proud of my hometown and grateful to be back. I am dedicated to preserving what makes our community special while building a stronger future together.
