My husband, Dave, and I joined St. Paul’s in 1985 when our children were very small. From the beginning, we felt welcomed. St. Paul’s has always seemed like a second home to me. There have been a lot of changes over the years, and my journey has taken me though many different programs and activities, including Altar Guild, teaching Sunday School, coordinating the Sunday Church School program & working with various youth ministers to provide programs for older youth, serving as Vestry member and Vestry Clerk for a year, to starting and coordinating our Health Ministries program.

I have always loved singing, and several years ago I began singing with the Traditional Choir, where (when not in COVID times) you can find me most Sundays.  I love being a part of the choir, and feel very much a part of worship services.  I have also recently been in training to be a Lay Eucharistic Visitor. 

I am a recently retired RN, and was Quality Manager and Education Manager for my home care agency.  Since retirement, I have enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, singing with the Vallejo Choral Society, and taking care of our year-old Labrador, Colby.   We enjoy visiting our children, and having them visit us, whenever possible—Kyle, who lives in Oregon, and Ashley, who lives in Huntington Beach.   We have 3 grand-dogs, and 1 grand-cat.

Having wanted to get back into being involved more at St. Paul’s, I am committed to working with the Vestry and congregation in looking forward– addressing issues and challenges facing St. Paul’s, and in looking for opportunities that will take our congregation into the next years in a much stronger way.  I believe in whole-person health–health of body, mind, and spirit–for all who chose to make St. Paul’s their place of worship, and for those persons that we care for in our community. 

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.  Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”  (e.e. cummings) What are we being called to do?    And who are we being called to be? 

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Benicia (after a brief stay in Wheeling, West Virginia) in 2001.  Our family came to Benicia for my husband Dave’s job.  We have two adult daughters, Emily and Alex.  I first became involved with St. Paul’s through the Traditional Choir.  I was invited to participate during the Christmas season and I never really left!  I also volunteer with the Community Meal. 

I am happy to have found a church home that wants to reflect Jesus’ love to all and help make the world in His image, just, loving and equitable for all people.  I am enthusiastic to be part of the Vestry and to assist in the work of St. Paul’s.