I was born and lived in Japan where I first attended a Japanese pre-school, followed by an English kindergarten at St. Luke’s University in Tokyo.  My family moved to Berkeley, California when I was 4 and I went to a UC  lab school for first grade.  I have fond memories of my teacher, Miss Chudnoff, who encouraged me to speak English, comforted me when I was afraid, and acknowledged my academic accomplishments.  The following year, I returned to Japan, and we corresponded for several years.  I attended American schools through high school. 

I came to Washington and completed my undergraduate studies at WWU, post-graduate at UW, graduate work at Seattle University, and the Administrative program at SPU.  My interest in becoming an educator began in 6^th grade when I tutored younger students in my school.  My cousin who was a teacher in San Francisco was passionate about her job, and this also made a big impression on me as a child.

My first teaching position was at Central Seattle Community College in a Bilingual Japanese/English program.  I also taught English in Japan for a year for UNICEF and two private companies.  The majority of my career has been in the elementary school setting as a teacher, counselor, and principal.  I have been extremely fortunate to have been mentored and supported by exceptional administrators, colleagues, and family.

My job is a combination of the best aspects of my past roles.  I have an opportunity to teach and counsel students and to work with colleagues who care and are committed to their students.  I get to partner with parents and families who entrust their valuable children to us for their education.

I believe that each person—child and adult—in our school family contributes their ideas, beliefs, and experiences to make our school a warm and welcoming place where everyone is equally respected and supported.  By working together, we build a strong and ideal environment for our children to learn and create lifetime memories.