Woodrow Wilson High School, Long Beach
Long Beach Community College
Cal Poly Pomona, School of Architecture
Cal State University, Dominguez Hills
Califformia State University, Long Beach

• AA Architectural Design
  
• BA Psychology, Magna Cum-Laude
• Minor Web Applications
• Minor Web Technology
• Certificate Web Design
  
• Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society
  
• Psi Chi
  
• Golden Key Honor Society
  
• Association of Women Architects Scholarship
  
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
  
• Southland Landscape, Owner
  
• Whimsey Wear Originals, Owner

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."~Louis Nizer

I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. While other kids were out playing baseball and roller skating, I was drawing and making things out of clay. I designed my first theater set in elementary school and started making clothing and costumes when I was 6...ok, they were doll clothes early on, but I was sewing for money by the time I was 13.

I went from hairdresser to landscape designer to architecture student after high school. Somewhere in the middle, a simple idea for a small theatrical item turned into a full-time career in theatrical design, costumes, props and my specialty, masks. It took over my life for close to 35 years. One of my favorite venues was the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Augoura, California, although I did a variety of other events and contract work. My work has been featured on film, television, printwork, advertising, a number of costumed events and has been collected all over the world.

I retired from that hectic life in 2007, went back to school, and earned a BA in Psychology. I took a couple of computer classes for fun and found myself enrolled in two computer science minors. I guess that I will never never be able to separate myself from some kind of design. My favorite part of any class is presenting work, no matter what the subject, in some sort of artistic medium. When I teach, I try to provide organized written and visual materials to capture the interest and imagination of the class. My master's program is Human Factors and Ergonomics, a field that easily incorporates many types of design, be it a research model or product.

I still live in Long Beach, although we are looking toward moving to the southeast part of the country. I began practicing yoga and TaeKwonDo to stay physically active. I volunteer for several local service organizations and The Human Rights Campaign. I am married to a wonderful guy, my best friend, the love of my life, personal comic and most loyal supporter. Jerry was a US Naval Officer for almost 30 years and currently works for our state government. We have two incredible dogs that are demanding and inspiring.......oh yeah, and four children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren!