Point me toward tomorrow...Won't forget what I did for LOVE.
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
1980s
Overall high school experience
9/10. [High school name omitted] was progressive in its educational programs, scheduling (block scheduling back then), [Name omitted] - math teacher - changed my whole outlook on learning math -- I became confident! [Name omitted], the principal, was the most caring and "present" guy I have met. He has been my role model as I have become a school administrator.
Grades in high school
Mostly A's
Favorite subjects
English, Math
Struggled with...
Science -- not sure why. I ended up doing well in the classes. Just sometimes had to do mental acrobatics at home to understand the concepts.
Favorite extracurricular
Songleading
Life since high school
“I am proud of the fact that I have helped many students graduate as happy and optimistic citizens. As a school administrator (doctorate from UCLA), I have worked in schools and districts on both ends of the socio-economic spectrum. ”
Attended college / university at
I graduated with a BS from University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Post-graduate education or training
I then earned an MS and Doctorate from UCLA. I was lucky to get an amazing Chair of my doctoral work. She really helped me to understand school change and the importance of reflective practice in principals for that school change to be successful.
Places lived in US
California, Nebraska
Current occupations / past occupations
I have been a public and independent school principal, a public school district assistant superintendent and a Jewish Day School assistant head/principal. I have been the Operations Manager of a 2.5 million dollar magnet company -- successfully completing federal quality assurance reviews. I have also raised two beautiful, happy and successful daughters. I volunteered for National Charity League and now volunteer for a soup kitchen near my house.
Industries I've worked in
- Manufacturing
- Educational Services
- Nonprofit
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
I am not sure if I can exactly correlate my education at [high school name ommtited] with preparation for my career/occupation. Rather, I feel like the spirit of curiosity and social interactions with peers prepared me to interact successfully with a variety of people.
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
As mentioned earlier - I took a bit of a break from the educational realm to manage a manufacturing company.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
being grateful for every new day and the relationships with my friends and family.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I put more emphasis on relational success vs. material success.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
I am proud of the fact that I have helped many students graduate as happy and optimistic citizens. As a school administrator (doctorate from UCLA), I have worked in schools and districts on both ends of the socio-economic spectrum.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
Letting the love of my life go (he's a [high school name omitted] alum as well) in order to marry a guy who I was dating in college.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
My sister, who was the top in-house intellectual property attorney at a large bank in PIttsburgh, PA, took her life in 2002. My husband at the time didn't like for me to be gone from home or to give attention to my side of the family. Additionally, I was concerned about leaving work. So... I arranged the memorial service for my sister from afar and didn't attend the Pittsburgh service. I did; however, arrange and attend her Neptune Society services on a boat. We spread her ashes at sea in San Francisco near Fishermen's Wharf...at her request.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I use Erich Fromm's The Art of Loving as a foundational piece in leading my teachers and community.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.
My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
I had a few...SLAC, the Stanford stadium (loved to run up and down the bleachers for exercise) and Town and Country
