What is your occupation and title?

Director of the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee.

Do you have a background in health and human services?

I have been working in Health and Human Services for about 10 years. I first became interested in working with families and children by volunteering at Tahoe Women’s Services on their 24-hour Community Help Line. After that, I became an employee at Tahoe Women’s Services, managing the Safe House Program for almost four years. I then took a little Truckee hiatus in Denver, Colo. to be with my (now) husband and worked for the Department of Corrections for a year. For the past five years, I have worked at the North Tahoe Family Resource Center, and part time for the Community Collaborative. I became Director of CCTT a month and a half ago.

What draws you to your line of work?

I like contributing to the community, and being part of a collection of organizations that is working to improve the Tahoe Truckee area.

Tell me about your family.

I have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old baby boy. I have been married for the past four-and-a-half years. I was born in Massachusetts and lived in upstate New York until my family moved to California when I was in junior high.

What do the children like to read?

Currently, my 1-year-old son is hooked on “Goodnight Moon” and my daughter is (unfortunately) fascinated by all books princess related.

What do you like to read?

I am currently finishing up the Golden Compass trilogy ” a great read!

Favorite hobbies?

I am in the process of learning how to garden, so it is not my favorite hobby yet, but I think it will be soon. Otherwise, I enjoy the usual Tahoe activities ” hiking, cross country skiing, swimming in the lakes in the summertime.

What is our community’s strongest point?

I think that Tahoe-Truckee residents are empathetic, caring and involved community members. People have a lot of pride in our communities and look out for one another.

Weakest?

I think it is a really hard time for a lot of families in Tahoe. No snow and the lagging economy is really placing a stress on families.

Your wish list for the New Year?

Peace, love and happiness for all!

What is one thing your neighbors don’t know about you?

I wish I could spend all my days at Jazz Fest in New Orleans!

” The Sun’s Amy Edgett performed this week’s interview and photo shoot. Send suggestions to aedgett@sierrasun.com