My intention is to change the way we care for the elderly in our country! This, I know, is a huge task, but like eating an elephant, it can be tackled one bite at a time. I have been passionate about eldercare since I became a caregiver for my beloved mother-in-law one week after I married her son. She helped me see caregivers and caregiving from a whole new perspective. I fought for her everyday and knew we all could do a better job by focusing on the real plagues of nursing home life (loneliness, helplessness, and boredom).

I have been in the healthcare industry all my working life and have an MBA in Healthcare Management. I am an award-winning administrator from West Texas and have been a long time associate of the EDEN Alternative. Additionally, I am passionate about Alzheimer’s care and education and have served as an educator in this field for over 20 years.

Since moving to Oregon in 2007, I have been associated with the Oregon Health Care Association and the MOVE organization (Making Oregon Vital for Elders). I am currently licensed as both a long term care administrator and a residential care facility administrator. In my free time I am studying for the ministry, chasing two wild cats, and being a happy grandmother of six precious spirits.