Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

The Folsom Cordova Community Charter School opened its doors this year for the sixth year to support parents who choose to home school their children. Although I helped create this educational model, you could say that the “need” found me.

What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from the experience?

My first job was teaching in a traditional elementary school classroom. Each year since then, I have worked to understand how we can best meet the needs of individual students. I have learned that a dedicated parent working with one or two students, with the support of a credentialed teacher, goes a long way toward reaching that goal. A student’s education at the Charter School is based on a cooperative model. The student, the parent-teacher, and a credentialed educational consultant work together to meet the individualized needs of one student. The curriculum and pacing is chosen to meet the needs of that particular student. I have learned that an increasing number of Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer County parents agree that home schooling with the support of the Folsom Cordova Charter School is a refreshing alternative to the traditional classroom.

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am proud of the home school students whom we have supported in grades K-8 and have gone on to successful years in both high school and college. Their success is built on our home schooling foundation that creates a love for learning. It is their love for learning that I am most proud of too.

Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?

I am inspired daily by the work being done by the home school parents we work with at our school. They give their children the greatest gift of all.

What’s your biggest job perk?

Meeting the families at Folsom Cordova Charter School.

What’s your favorite local event to attend?

The Folsom Veteran’s Day Parade. This year, students wrote letters of thanks to our veterans. I had a wonderful morning walking behind our float in the parade as students passed out the letters to veterans along the way.

And finally, customer service is...?

Helping parents meet the individual educational needs of their child.