Through one of the hardest times of my life, everything changed when I found the right support and resources. This inspired me and sent me on a lifelong journey to pursue education, better myself and serve my community, striving to support others in need of a helping hand.

 

From my earliest days in school, I knew there was something different about me—when other kids seemed to learn with ease, I struggled. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort; I wanted so badly to fit in and do well like everyone else, but it always took me longer than my classmates. Finally, we had answers when I was diagnosed with ADHD, dyscalculia and a visual processing disorder similar to Dyslexia.

 

While having a diagnosis provided answers, we still didn’t have the right resources or medications that worked for me. There was one instance in school when I had spent an entire weekend painstakingly working on an assignment—I was so proud of my work. I wanted to prove to my teacher and classmates that I could do just as well as anyone else. 

 

Later that day, my teacher called me to the front of the class. My heart swelled with anticipation, thinking this was the moment I would finally receive some praise. Instead, as I stood before my peers, the teacher held up my assignment and began to criticize it openly. He dismissed my efforts, labeling me a slacker and accusing me of not knowing how to properly complete my work. That was my most vulnerable moment, feeling judged and completely unaccepted. 

 

Despite my parents' relentless efforts, the traditional school simply didn’t have the resources or education on learning disabilities to help me. My self-esteem plummeted as I faced ridicule, withdrawing into myself, believing that no amount of effort on my part would change my circumstances.

 

This feeling of hopelessness led me down a path of rebellion. I began to skip classes, inviting punishments like detention and suspensions, veering further from the student I wanted to be. It was during these turbulent times that my parents, alongside an attorney, discovered Edison High School (edisonhs.org). This school, tailored for students with learning disabilities, became my sanctuary.

 

At Thomas Edison, the approach to learning was different. The focus was on understanding and accommodating individual needs rather than forcing everyone into a conventional educational mold. I learned organizational skills and gradually rebuilt my self-esteem. The small community of 63 students felt more like family, and the friendships I formed there are ones I cherish to this day.

 

Thanks to this nurturing environment, I was able to graduate and even pursue higher education, something I had never imagined possible. I earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and an MBA in management leadership, achievements that once seemed unattainable. My academic journey taught me resilience and ignited a passion for lifelong learning, which I carry into every endeavor.

 

It has become my passion to support educational institutions like Edison, having served on the Board of Directors. Additionally, my long-standing career in dentistry, starting as a dental assistant and later managing dental practices, became a powerful avenue for giving back. I was President of the Oregon Dental Executives Association (ODEA), where I was responsible for providing continuing education    courses to other office managers. I also worked with Smile Oregon, contributing to initiatives helping children with cleft palates and other craniofacial conditions, and was a member of the Dental Foundation of Oregon, which oversees the Tooth Taxi, offering dental services to children in rural areas.

 

In this new chapter in real estate, I have the honor of helping families start new chapters. It is my mission to continue using professional success as a means to give back to the community. Now that my husband and I have a daughter of our own, I’m reminded of how important it is to share stories like mine. I hope to light a path for others who may feel lost, as I once did, and show them that with the right support, incredible transformations are possible.

 

This isn’t just a job for me—it's a calling. When I first transitioned to real estate in 2022, my goal was to learn the best ways to help people through the most exciting and sometimes the most challenging times in their lives. I specialize in supporting families through loss, organizing estate sales that require exceptional organization, empathy and time management. I have a network of resources to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether it's organizing a full home cleanout or finding a contractor to make necessary repairs, I've got you covered. And the best part? The contractor fees can be paid out of escrow, easing the financial burden during difficult times. 

 

I’m also proud to be part of Homes for Heroes, a program that gives back to our veterans by providing cash back at closing. My focus is on building relationships and providing compassionate service that exceeds expectations. When not working, I prioritize time with my family, from taking annual trips to Disneyland to cheering on the Oregon Ducks. As an Oregon native, I’m proud to help grow my community and share with my clients the many things I love about this amazing area!