Candidate for
Board Member; Northern Humboldt Union High School District

Born and raised in McKinleyville, I attended Dow's Prairie and McKinleyville Middle schools before attending and graduating from St. Bernard's High. My mom was educator Sarie Toste who enjoyed a 50-year career as a teacher and administrator, as well as 17 years on NHUHSD Board before passing away from cancer 2 years ago.

Just before she passed away, she made a special request: that I apply to serve out the two remaining years on her term. At the time, I reluctantly did so only for her. Now, after two years of receiving a thorough "education" myself as a Board member, I am excited to put what I've learned to good use in "taking care of the kids", as my mom asked me to continue to do.

My work experience includes stints at The Gap Corporation in San Francisco after college, eventually moving back home to work 20 years at Humboldt/Umpqua Bank in Marketing and directing the Learn to Earn school savings program that my mom had created while a superintendent.

At the end of May of this year, I accepted a position as Managing Director of the Rising Stars Foundation at the County Office of Education. Rising Stars encompasses 11 recognition events for Humboldt County students in all grades and from all schools. The events provide venues to showcase students' skills such as culinary, music, science, biliteracy, spelling, and history, among others. A truly rewarding position supporting the wonderful accomplishments of our local kids.