I grew up in the desert, in the hot San Bernardino/Rialto area, located an hour east of Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Morehouse College, an all-male historically black liberal arts college. After completing my BA in African American Studies I intended to return to Southern California to work at my high school alma mater. However, intrigued by Branson's Gallard Fellowship and commitment to diversity and community service, I planned to take a one-year detour that has suddenly turned into 18. In addition to working in admissions, I play an active role in our inclusion/diversity initiatives. When I'm not at Branson, I'm spending time with my family and doing ministry in West Oakland. While I strive to be an all-around nice guy, I apologize in advance for the trash-talking alter ego that take over from April to June (aka NBA Playoffs time).GO LAKERS and WARRIORS!

I am a true Northern California girl, whose roots go back six generations in San Francisco! Although my entire family lives in the city, I was raised with my brother in Sonoma County.

If it's sunny outside, you can catch me canoeing, backpacking, or just playing around in the outdoors. Despite my active lifestyle, I do have a passion for California cuisine, especially when it comes to figs, risotto, and chocolate mousse...yum!

As a member of the first graduating class at Sonoma Academy, I hold a special place in my heart for private education and independent schools. After graduating, I continued to give back to SA by teaching a performance class and chaperoning class retreats, while also pursuing my BA in Theatre at Colorado College with a minor in Urban Art.

Once I graduated college and entered the real world, I worked for four years as a recruiter for a summer camp company and directed one of their summer camps in Marin. In my seventh year at Branson, I could not be more thrilled to be a part of this community and work with the students. I look forward to getting to know the new families and supporting you through this exciting process!

Born to a Japanese mother and American father, I spent the first nine years of my childhood in London; the latter half of my childhood was spent in Marin County. I attended Branson for high school along with my twin brother, John (go Bulls!). Since graduating from Branson, I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to explore my love of learning, which consequently nurtured a passion for teaching. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai’i in English and Political Science while also competing on the Varsity Sailing Team (go Rainbows!). Apparently one college degree was not enough for me; since graduating from UH, I earned three master’s degrees – in English, Teaching, and Education, respectively. I have been a middle school English Teacher in both Seattle and Oakland. I have also taught college composition courses and high school writing courses. After pursuing many different avenues within the field of Education, I value the perspective and experience I’ve gained. As a multiracial woman, I have been particularly drawn to diversity issues within Education. When not at Branson, you can find me sailing, gardening, reading science-fiction and fantasy, or spending time with my family.