I grew up in Soquel, a small town that had everything a kid could want: hills to explore, a library to read, a pool for summer fun, a store to spend nickels on candy, and a safe and connected community where we could ride our stingrays and play kick the can in the middle of the street. 

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This is how my three older brothers, kids in the neighborhood, and I spent our summer days while my parents were working - and if a brother was busy, if all 3 were busy ... I would sit in my room and listen to my albums, read or type poetry on ... yes ... a typewriter. Exchange keyboard for typewriter and still all my favorite activities. 

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I am grateful for that part of my childhood and because our world, our communities, have experienced change, sending a 6 year old a mile and a half to the store isn't as safe as it used to be. I have taken on the importance of keeping our kids engaged through enriching activities and offer support to those programs who feel similar.

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I work for Santa Cruz City Schools as Program Coordinator for After School and have had the opportunities to build relationships and develop enrichment ideas: creating art, biking, drumming, swimming... to name a few. The possibilities are endless and through these activities we can help students learn, build a connection to their community and develop healthy relationships with others. 

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