Pronouns
she/her/hers
Describe what you do for Portland Opera?
My team and I work to direct philanthropy towards Portland Opera, because opera is for everyone, and relying solely on ticket sales to fund our work would put limits on art. We secure gifts and grant funding from individuals, corporations, foundations, really anyone who cares about access to performing arts in Portland and our region. I celebrate every gift given because it transforms into shared opera experiences for the community, from downtown stages to local libraries and classrooms.
In my free time, you can usually find me...
Playing bassoon in community groups like the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra and Northwest Wind Symphony, and occasionally subbing in incredible bassoon sections like that of Walla Walla Symphony.
Do you have hike/park/scenic view in Oregon that inspires you?
As a child and while living elsewhere in the country, Mt. Hood Jazz Festival posters from the 80s and 90s have adorned my walls. Now living in Beaverton, every clear day makes me smile when I see Mt. Hood for real life (why yes, that was a Bluey reference, thank you for noticing).
Do you have a favorite local visual artist/musician/filmmaker/performer that you think everyone should know about?
My kids and I enjoy dance parties to the music of Mo Phillips and Aaron Nigel Smith. I had the joy of collaborating with both of them when I worked at Arts for Learning NW, and on top of being talented local artists, they share a passion for kids' access to music, community, and fun!
What is the most interesting/unusual job you've ever had?
During the fall of my sophomore year of undergrad, I spent weekends selling caramel apples at a family farm in Spokane's Green Bluff grower's cooperative. Our booth was between the grill and the big tree where the guitarist performed, so I also sang harmonies to the few country covers I recognized.
