Born in California, raised in actual woods and then in a small town in the PNW, returned to California for college. Re-met Jesus there at age 19, which changed all my goals in life, one of which became remaining in the city. Married Tim, whose L.A. family cemented that decision. Together we had two children while helping to plant one church in L.A. and then FOL in Long Beach.

Primary Responsibilities at FOL
I equip the church in intercultural agility, teach ESL and conversational Spanish, lead a Spanish language life group, and connect WLB neighbors to church and community resources.

Desert Island Books
(Other than the bible) The Great Divorce, The Two Towers, The Greater Trumps, The Divine Conspiracy, and a book of Christian poetry if possible.

Desert Island Movies
My Neighbor Totoro, The Two Towers, Persuasion, Wallace and Gromit, The Return of the Jedi

Must have songs on your mix tape
Hymns album by Fernando Ortega, Magnificat, Voces8 albums, my worship hits playlist from 1970s to 2026, Aretha’s greatest hits, Linda Ronstadt Canciones, Juan Luis Guerra y 440

What's your ideal day?
At the beach: Breakfast alone, be in the water for a couple hours, read, write, and nap midday, lunch with Tim, back to the water, cook dinner with the family.

Favorite Restaurant in Long Beach
Boba Tea House

Last meal on Earth?
Anything Tim has made for my birthday! Salmon, rice or baby red potatoes, beans, crème brûlée.

Place you'd love to visit again?
Florence, Siena… sigh.

What makes you laugh?
My family telling stories, reading confessions of most awkward or embarrassing moments.

What brings you to tears?
Very beautiful music or dance, testimonies of redemption

What do you like most about serving at FOL?
The variety of experience and people, and the constant puzzle-solving (when I can remember that they are puzzles to solve, not burdens!

Something no one would ever guess about you?
If meeting me for the first time, that I’m bilingual.