Over 38 years experience in public, special and academic libraries.  Since 1995, I have been Dean of Library Service and I retired in July 2012, after 32 years of service to the College. Prior to that, I was a faculty librarian (technical services, reference, and instructor in the Library Technician program) for 13 years.  I was proud to start my career at Pasadena Public Library and I feel those experiences in a fantastic public library shaped by service orientation for academic libraries.  I was very involved on my campus with technology issues as well as planning initiatives. Recently worked with Eureka scholar Martha Camacho to get the Pasadena Digital History Collaborative launched and humming.  I have also been very involved in program assessment and accreditation, serving on nine visiting teams, recently to the College of Micronesia. 

Shatford Library won the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries award in 2008, a proud moment for all. I was also honored this year with the ACRL/CJCLS Community College Leadership Award.  I have championed a collaborative team building approach within a fairly flat organizational structure.  Team members have the ability to influence change very easily.  I love using technology within an organization to advance initiatives and was proud that over the years, the Library was always at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Interests:  One of five sisters, urban farmer, interested in genealogy and capturing family stories, canning and preserving, tending chickens, composting, orienteering, travel, skiing, geocacheing, hosting Survivor parties, blogging, reading.

Bucket list includes:  Writing for profit, soap making, rural mini-farm, beekeeping, living throughout the year at Hood Canal (WA), Mammoth, a Lancaster desert cabin… ah, just give me the Foxfire books and the outdoors I am happy…

Masters in Library Science (UCLA) and Masters in Education (emphasis in Instructional Technologies) (CalStateLA)

Favorite quote from Tennyson:  “Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?” and another favorite from my Mom:  “Don't wait for your ship to come in, row out and meet it!”