Rio Rancho is a beautiful city with a fabulous climate and I am enjoying and learning so much about what the Times has described as being one of the best places to live in the nation. The people are so wonderful here! I am divorced and have one adult daughter who is recently married, five adult step-children and three wonderful step-grandchildren I adore and spoil on a regular basis.

I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I began my career in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, then I became a Director and a children's advocate, where I did marketing for non-profit organizations. I have also donevolunteer workfor children's organizations and as a Disaster Action Technician for the Red Cross.

Life threw me a curve ball when I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and my physical condition deteriorated to the point where I was essentially home bound for years. I still cope with insomnia and chronic migraines. In 2016 my illness went into remission and since then I have learned that I may not be able to climb a mountain, but I can still find my way to the top!

More recently, I have developed my own adult guidance counseling practice. I love to travel,meet new people, and to inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams. I am living my dream every day and I am grateful to be a part of Rio Rancho Road Runners. I feel that if you believe in yourself, your mission and your team, anything is possible. Because of my personal experiences, I know what being disabled and excluded feels like.I am passionate about wheelchair basketball because I believe that it is a sport that can help break down the social barriers between people who are disabled and people who are not. Once these barriers are overcome, I believe that people will understand and accept that athletes with disabilities deserve to be included in the elite company of professional athletes.