HOW IT STARTED
My career in the legal field began at age 17 while I was still in high school, working as an errand runner for the law firm Bannister, Bruhn & Clark. I later worked as a legal secretary for local law firms. While raising my three young daughters, I returned to school and earned my Associate’s Degree from Skagit Valley College. I had planned to continue on to Western Washington University when an opportunity arose to join Skagit County Superior Court as a receptionist. That position became the start of a public service career that has now spanned decades.

Over the years, I worked my way through the court system, gaining experience in many areas of court operations before becoming Superior Court Manager. I also completed the Court Management Program through the National Center for State Courts, earning certification in court management to strengthen my knowledge of court administration and leadership. In 2019, I was honored to be elected Skagit County Clerk.

AN ADVOCATE FOR ACCESS
Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how important the Clerk’s Office is to the daily functioning of our courts and to the people who rely on them. Every case, filing, and court order represents a real person navigating a legal process that can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming. That understanding has shaped how I approach this work and how I lead our office.

In my role as Clerk, I’ve also had the privilege of serving at the state level. I am a Past President of the Washington State Association of County Clerks and was honored to be named Washington State Clerk of the Year in 2024. I’ve served on the Board of Judicial Education, the Court Management Council, and the Public Trust & Confidence Committee. I was also appointed by Chief Justice Debra Stephens to serve on the Gender & Justice Commission, which works to strengthen Washington’s courts and promote fairness in the justice system.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service has always been important to me. I’m a proud member of Skagit Rotary, where I have served as President and currently serve as Treasurer. I also serve as Treasurer for Community Action of Skagit County and after graduating from Leadership Skagit in 2011 volunteered as a team coach helping develop future community leaders. I also served for nine years on the Skagit Valley Family YMCA Board and was part of the leadership team that helped bring the new YMCA facility to fruition.

In 2018, I was elected to the Mount Vernon City Council and am currently serving my final term. During that time, I graduated from the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Citizens Academy, attended Fire Ops 101, served twice as Mayor Pro-Tem, and chaired the Public Safety, Finance, Parks, and Development Services Committees.

FAMILY
I’m married and the proud mom of four adult children and “Mimi” to five energetic grandchildren. Our family also includes a lively clowder of cats and Larry David, our yellow Labrador. Larry, my husband Mike, and I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I would be honored to earn your vote and continue serving Skagit County as your Clerk.

The County Clerk is an independently elected official established by the Washington State Constitution (Article IV, Section 26) who serves a dual role as the clerk of the Superior Court and County Clerk. The office is responsible for filing, maintaining, and preserving the official records of Superior Court cases. The Clerk attends court proceedings, processes court orders, judgments, and legal documents, and manages court-related funds while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of court records and public access to judicial information.

While these responsibilities are technical and essential to the functioning of the court system, the work of the Clerk’s Office is also deeply human. The office often serves people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives—whether they are navigating family matters, grieving the loss of a loved one, or trying to understand a legal process that can feel overwhelming.

I believe the role of the Clerk’s Office goes beyond maintaining records and court procedures. It’s about helping people navigate a complex court system while treating everyone who walks through our doors with dignity, compassion, and respect.