Northern Idaho Staff

Personal Profile

Adoption has always held a special place in my life. The desire to help orphans took root in my heart as my friendship with a child named Tommy grew. He was adopted from Korea as a young child, and had always told his father how many little boys were without a home or family.

Tommy passed away at age 12, but the impact this friendship had on my life is still felt. His adoption made our friendship and a great life for him, possible. From this experience the seed of desire to help orphaned children grew. Years later I went on a mission trip to Russia, and visited a number of different orphanages. I was able to get a real feeling of what it must have been like for Tommy and all the little boys he talked about. From then on, I was determined to do something to help these children.

Professional Background

I graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I have worked for many years with children, and often find myself connecting most with at-risk youth. I had the opportunity to work at a Shelter for Pregnant Women in Crisis in San Jose, CA and did individual counseling with each of these women. I was also a Probation Officer’s Assistant. My experience as a tracker was valuable, but it reinforced the desire I felt to work in a more pro-active way with at-risk youth. It is my desire to see orphaned children placed in a safe and secure environment, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of the process.