Washington and Lee University
2007 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Recipient
What do you remember most about receiving the Sullivan award? Were you surprised?
I was very surprised. Receiving the Sullivan award really made graduation feel extra special.
You grew up outside of Los Angeles, California. How did you make your way to Washington and Lee?
I knew I wanted something very different than what I was used to. I wanted a smaller school but also knew I couldn’t handle weather any colder than Virginia. I applied before I visited campus but I knew it was the right fit for me. It was the best decision I could have made for myself.
Can you share a little about your time after graduation ant how you got to where you are now?
I actually married my husband the day after graduating college. He was a member of the Marine Corp and we soon moved to San Diego. I received my masters in social work from San Diego State University.
I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, helping my community and helping with people’s mental health. I was fortunate to get to work with military families and help them get adjusted to life in the service. It’s really a different world and life style to get used to so I was excited to be able to serve and help more families get more adjusted. My husband and I have four children so it was important to me to see these spouses of those serving and their children really thrive in a new environment. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Marine Corp Relief Society to help families with any financial needs they may have encountered.
The Sullivan Foundation promotes positive social change in its programming and overall message. What are some key issues that matter most to you?
Mental health is very important to me, especially when working with college students. We now live in Virginia and are close to the campus of William and Mary. I enjoy getting to work with college students and help with this transitional period in their lives.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people now, what would it be?
Think of what you value in life and make decisions based on those values.
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