I was raised in Bellevue, Washington with my parents, John and Sue and my sister Kim.  I was an athletic kid, tending toward outdoor exploration rather than reading a book to pass time.  I grew up playing soccer, swimming and going to church with my mother and sister on Sundays.  When I reached Junior High, Youth Group was my refuge.  I found very loving people and new friends that didn’t judge me.  I took to Jesus right away and attended as many retreats as I could.  Through High School, my faith solidified at the same time as my athletic career.  I went to the University of California, Berkeley to row for the Varsity Crew team and study Sociology.  After graduating in 1996, I worked at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley as an Assistant to many ministry leaders.  My year and a half at First Pres was essential for my life-long survival as a Christian.  It took my Pastor Mark, talking about, preaching about and prayed with the word Grace for me to come to an awakening of the meaning of God’s grace in our lives.  This set me on a new path of experience and understanding, to receive the love of God through the grace of Jesus Christ.  I have spent the years since college, growing into the grace of the Lord and exploring my calling.  From coaching rowing, to hospital work to work as a retail Buyer, God has directed me through these experiences to the life of a servant to international students. I found the organization in 2007 and haven’t looked back since.  I love working for God with ISI!

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