Where did you grow up?
I was part of a military family, so I grew up many places – a couple of years in Germany, lots of military bases in various states, and also was an exchange student to Mexico. I spent many years in the Puget Sound area of Washington state (I’m still very fond of the ocean!). All of that helped me appreciate different cultures and beliefs so it felt like home when I moved to Taos when I was 24.
Who has influenced you (in whom you are today both personally or professionally)?
There have been many amazing, strong women who were my role models: my grandmothers, mother, and spouse, friends Frances Cruz, Dr. Kate O’Neill, and the late Marge Perry, Dr. Loretta Ortiz y Piño, and Sister Carmel Garcia. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible women during my many years at Community Against Violence (CAV).
Why TCA?
I have learned that interpersonal violence reaches across all education and income levels. CAV has a responsibility to get the word out to make sure our community knows that every child and adult deserves to feel safe in their homes and in their relationships. TCA is a part of that outreach effort; they are a community partner in creating safety in our corner of the world.
What was the first TCA event you attended?
The first TCA event I remember attending is the Vagina Monologues back in the early 2000’s – an incredible experience! Over the years, my family and I have been to many wonderful community events, performances, and theater productions at the TCA!
What inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by the generations of strength here. There are so many people I worked with at CAV who have had unbelievably awful experiences of abuse – and they still have hope and a belief in the good of people. When I see my neighbors and friends stepping up supporting the work CAV does, even when they may not have experienced abuse themselves, it inspires me and helps me hold on to hope, too.
What else do you love about Taos?
I love the many cultures in our community and that we have so many exceptionally creative people here. I love that most of our community welcomes others to be their best selves; they don’t need everyone to be exactly the same.
Who’s your favorite Taos artist?
I love so many different artists – painters, singers, jewelers, performance artists, and writers.
Favorite music or musician?
I’m a big fan of Kim Treiber’s vocals – we even talked Kim and her husband Chipper Thompson into playing at our wedding.
Favorite film?
It is far easier to say my favorite genre – comedies and romcoms. For example, I laughed ridiculously hard at Melissa McCarthy in “Bridesmaids.” I think I seek out comedy films to balance my more serious day to day work.
Tell us something about you that nobody knows.
I think my friends know everything I can think of about me. For those who don’t know me very well, they may be surprised that I can be super silly and like pranking friends and family. For example, I once put up a “for sale” sign in front of our friend’s house as a joke.
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