I grew up in the small, beautiful fishing town of Homer, Alaska. My family enjoyed the seasonal rhythms of life on the ocean and the vibrant food, art and music that has come to define Homer today. Those early years taught me that it is one of life’s great pleasures to be a part of a community- to care for one another, to know each other over the years, to share our challenges and to contribute to our collective future.
After completing my studies in Nursing at UAA, my husband and I chose to live in Palmer because of its breathtaking beauty, career opportunities, and the warmth and generosity of the people here. It has been a privilege to be a nurse in this community for the last 15 years and to experience the pride of place and history that Palmer has. Through my work as a public health nurse I have developed a strong interest in understanding how thriving communities offer protective factors for residents. Our social connections can shape our well-being in profound ways.
This community has enriched my life, so I am happy for this opportunity to contribute to the goals of the Palmer Community Foundation. I am excited about the work that PCF is doing to build an endowment for the Palmer area. PCF donors know what makes Palmer special and want to maintain its strong identity. I am proud to serve on a board with other members who also have deep roots in Palmer because a board made up of local people can best respond to the input, ideas, and vision of the community. I look forward to supporting projects that bring people together around our shared values for a healthy, vibrant Palmer in the years to come.