Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to the annual Scout cleanup at the Cherry Valley Pioneer Cemetery at the Dougherty Farmstead. This photo is from a few years ago and I remember doing this since they were little cubscouts. We had lucked out that year with some rain-free, beautiful weather.

Every year, Scouts come together to rake leaves, tidy up, and honor those who came before us. It’s more than just a cleanup, it’s a lesson in service, respect, and community pride.

We’re grateful for these opportunities to give back and to see the next generation learning the value of caring for the places and people that shaped Duvall.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to the morning we got a message on our Jeeps asking if we could join a very special birthday celebration, a car parade for a young, car-loving birthday boy.

Of course, we said yes! We showed up to the meetup point and got to check out an incredible lineup of vehicles — classics, muscle cars, Jeeps, and everything in between.

Rolling through the neighborhood and seeing the look of pure joy on the birthday boy’s face (and all the smiles from neighbors along the route) was just the best. 💛

It was such a reminder of how small gestures, like showing up, can make a big impact.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to the day I stepped into my first youth mentorship session — not really knowing what to expect, just knowing I wanted to give back. I remember wondering: Would I be helpful? Would I connect?

What I’ve learned since then is that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up, being present, and believing in someone even if they don’t yet believe in themselves.

I am grateful for that first step and grateful for every conversation since. Investing in our youth is how we keep Duvall strong!

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to May of last year when I began volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Since then, I’ve logged more than 190 hours of service.

As a Wildlife Care Assistant, my days can include preparing and delivering specialized diets, helping with the daily care of animals recovering for release, and—on the best days—releasing them back into the wild.

This role has been such a rewarding way to give back. It’s also allowed me to put my biology degree—and my lifelong passion for science and the natural world—back to work in a very hands-on way.

Every shift is a reminder of how connected we are to the wildlife that shares our valley, and how important it is to protect their habitats. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, contribute, and live out this part of who I am.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to one of my favorite volunteer roles- serving as an art docent in our schools. I loved watching kids unleash their creativity—some needed more guidance and structure, while others wanted to be set free to follow their own inspiration. Both approaches are valid, and both create beautiful results.

That experience connects to my small business, where I create edible art, and also to how I see leadership. Just like in the classroom, leadership isn’t “one size fits all.” People thrive under different styles of support, and not everyone feels comfortable asking for a seat at the table. As Mayor, I’m committed to seeking out those missing voices and making sure they’re represented. Because a stronger, more creative, more connected Duvall comes when everyone has a chance to be seen and heard.