I came to the financial aid community quite accidentally 10 years ago with the usual experience that prepares you for such a career. My degree, which I received in 1984, was in Guitar Performance and after a very fun but not so lucrative attempt at a performing career faced up to the economic reality of my situation and settled in to a job managing a music store. This worked out very well for me for a while until changes in the business partnership brought some instability to my position there. Thinking that the University would be the best choice for permanent employment I applied for every job that opened and finally landed in the Financial Aid Office.

I began at the front counter and then became a counselor. A few years later our Associate Director took a one year leave of absence and I became the Acting Associate Director then an Assistant Director following that. I have performed a variety of functions within our office ranging from compliance to training and supervision. Early on I became interested in our local education system and being something of an activist saw some needs that I felt deserved some attention and slowly began developing an outreach program to help meet those needs. This program has grown from about 10 reading tutors in 5 schools to a little over 100 tutors and mentors in 17 schools. I also coordinate a Latino Youth Club and an after school music club at an alternative to alternative high school. Currently, managing this program is my full time position. In addition I organize musical events that promote diversity and help raise scholarship funds for underserved populations. To relax at the end of the day I teach guitar at a local music store and have about 45 private students. Many of these students participate in my school programs as well. I think it’s good to keep busy.

With UASFAA I have been the Professional Development Chair and am currently our association President. I have been the Regional Trainer for decentralized training twice along with being a frequent presenter at our conferences. I have truly enjoyed the many colleagues and students I have met through this business and our association, and look forward to much more in the future.