Executive Director, Elementary Education
Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District

U.S.: California Hub | NORTH AMERICA

I was raised a middle child in Detroit, Michigan.  This role in my family shaped my world view and notions of leadership, while underscoring the importance of relationships.  My “middle childness” has also fostered an awareness of interdependence, empathy and compassion.  I have been drawn to systems thinking my entire life.  

I am currently the Executive Director of Elementary Education in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District in Southern California.  Over the past 25 years I have worked in Title I schools, serving the majority of this time as an elementary and secondary principal. I also have a faculty position at the University of California, Berkeley where I coach educational leaders in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.  I am a writer, speaker and trainer in this area.  My social justice journey was sparked by equity-minded parents, nurtured by talented colleagues and ignited by thousands of students and families over the years.

I earned both my master’s and doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles.  My research and professional interests include principal efficacy, reimagining more equitable systems and leading systemic change.    

I am married to the most inspiring educational leader.  We raise our four children in Los Angeles. They are pretty amazing.