​My Commitment to Service in Support of Our Students

 

To be an effective representative of this district, it is imperative to engage with our community, be involved, and make connections. to know our community, volunteer and donate to our Foundation. I have done these things and continue to do so. I have a well-rounded and deeply rooted history of service to the Riverdale and greater Portland community, spanning more than 16 years. On my oldest daughter’s first day at Riverdale Grade School, Susie Keeton—then PTC President—invited me to get involved. I quickly found myself sitting at her table at the PTC Auction, co-hosting an art show with the President of Lewis & Clark College at the Cooley House, and connecting with an incredible network of committed parents and neighbors. Later that year, Kirsten Griffith asked me to take over the Dunthorpe/Riverdale Playgroup, further deepening my ties to this special community.

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That spirit of connection and collaboration has never left me. One of the things I’ve loved most about representing our district is the opportunity to strengthen those relationships—something that has remained a constant since our family first moved to Dunthorpe.

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Since joining the Riverdale School Board, I’ve continued this commitment in new ways: hosting artist open studios at my home, taping interviews with Riverdale High School alumni to hear and share their stories, attending school events, and supporting the Riverdale Foundation and PTC through attending their events and donating to both in support of our schools. Each interaction has reinforced what makes Riverdale so unique: the strength of our community, the passion of our families, and the belief that we all play a role in supporting our students.

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Having an experienced leader who continues to evolve and grow matters—especially in a time when stability, compassion, and thoughtful decision-making are more important than ever. I strive to lead with empathy and care, while listening to all perspectives and considering the needs of every student, family, and staff member in our community. I am reenergized by the opportunity to serve our Riverdale/Dunthorpe community and build upon the last four years of success. I would be honored to have your vote this May.

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Riverdale School District Board

• Board Chair (2nd year)

• Vice Chair 

• Policy Committee (4th year)

• Budget Committee (4th year) 

• Political Advocacy Committee 

• Oregon School Boards Association - Member of MCC and represented Riverdale on panel at Conference

• Multnomah Education Service District - Represent Riverdale on MESD Budget Committee (3rd year)

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Riverdale School Foundation - Community Garden Tour Volunteer

Riverdale School Foundation - Call Captain

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Riverdale PTC Cooley House Art Show - Co-host with Lewis and Clark Interim President Jane Atkinson at the President's residence

Riverdale PTC Second Annual Art Show - Co-host with Courtney Singer and Lewis and Clark President Barry Glassner on Lewis and Clark campus

Riverdale PTC Auction Committee

Riverdale PTC Party Packs Host

Riverdale PTC Drama Program - 7 year volunteer and 1 year Co-chair

Riverdale PTC Fall Carnival & Field Day - Volunteer and "Grand Marshall" in Field Day Parade

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Riverdale  Community Playgroup

• Leader

• Host

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Riverdale Grade School

• Waverly Promotion Brunch Speaker/Volunteer

• Interview Committee

• Equity Committee

• 8th Grade Memory Book

• 8th Grade Class Gift

• Room Parent

• Library Assistant

• Weekly Classroom Reading Volunteer

• Lunch Volunteer

• Art Assistant and Art Lit Volunteer​

• Field Trip Chaperone

• Dance Chaperon

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Riverdale Athletics

• Girls Lacrosse Coach

• Cross Country Assistant Coach

• Sports Photography and Merchandise Ordering

• Booster Club Volunteer

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Riverdale High School

• Senior Memory Book

• Senior Exhibition Editor

• Principal Interview Committee

• Equity Committee

• Field Trip Chaperone

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Asian American Youth Leadership Conference - I am in my fourth year of representing Riverdale at this annual conference that has an over 30 year history. Riverdale High School students attend along with a many other students from across Oregon. It is an energizing day that celebrates our diverse culture as well as educates with workshops and a keynote address. There is a college fair and we also end the day with a fun performance from local musicians or dancers. I have volunteered as a photographer these past four years.

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OMSI - I am proud to be a Trustee for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry where I get to promote STEAM education for kids and that OMSI is so much more than a kids' museum. I also joined the Board of Trustees because I believe that the OMSI District development will improve Portland. Integrating art into these spaces with the understanding that the relationship between art and science is vital.

 

NMWA Oregon - I serve as Vice Chair for the Oregon Chapter for the National Museum of Women in the Arts. As an artist, educator and connector in Portland, I have enjoyed collaborating on events that promote the arts in Portland. We also recently published an arts and culture map that showcases 65 art venues. OMSI generously sponsored our launch party and I had the honor of introducing Suzanne Bonamici, our US Congress Representative, to speak in support of the arts, culture and their effect on commerce in Portland.

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Civics Learning Project - Constitution Team Regionals Judge (2024)

 

UCLA Alumni - Portland Alumni Dinner Host

UCLA Alumni - Scholarship Applications Volunteer

UCLA Alumni - Oregon Chapter Events Host and Volunteer

 

National Charity League Portland Chapter - Grade Level Advisor for two years including senior year (2024) where I got to help the girls with their senior project on Project Lemonade and their senior speeches honoring their moms. Liaison to Ronald McDonald House of Oregon/SW Washington

 

Northwest Student Exchange - Host Parent; If you know me, you know that I support student exchange especially after hosting Elisa, our Riverdale High School senior from Italy. After being here for a few months, she came to me and expressed that she wanted to attend college in the United States. I immediately contacted her mom and let her know what needed to be done. I supported her through SAT prep and the test. When it came to recommendations, Laura Keldorf, one of our best RHS teachers, supported Elisa and wrote her an amazing letter. A few years later, our family flew out to spend time with Elisa and her family at her Georgetown University graduation. I was so happy to have been a small part in the process to support her dreams. We still stay in touch and I am incredibly grateful to her for the insight I gained that year into the enriching experience that makes Riverdale High School so amazing!