I have looked for ways to support those less fortunate in my community and the world my whole life, following my mother’s example. As a family physician, I started the Providence Milwaukie Family Medicine Clinic in 1999 and the Providence Oregon Family Medicine Residency in 2001. I loved putting on free sports physicals, doing free skin cancer screenings, leading “Smoking Cessation as an Alternative to Suspension” at Clackamas High School, and teaching physicians how to respond to community needs. Dealing with some health issues, I retired in 2017. Then I studied and became a deacon in the Episcopal Church. I now serve at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in NE Portland. In retirement, I looked for new ways to get involved and care for my community. My dear friend Linda Smith told me about ninety-nine girlfriends, and it sounded like a great way to donate my time, talent, and money to Portland nonprofits and get to know some wonderful women. I have been a member since 2018.

Ninety-nine girlfriends has been a great way to learn about, support, and volunteer with nonprofit groups I would not normally be exposed to. I enjoyed working with a wonderful group of women on homelessness in Portland during the pandemic and then presenting our findings to the larger group. I enjoyed being a facilitator for Deconstructing Racism, one of our learning offerings. I will always remember helping with a dinner for the homeless and taking some of my roses for the tables. The children wanted to give their mom a rose, which I definitely encouraged.

In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and Celtic harp, photography, Pilates, baking and dancing, and hiking with my husband. I have taken up weightlifting to help with my osteoporosis. Ninety-nine girlfriends provides so many opportunities to volunteer and get to know intelligent, creative, and generous women doing great work in our community. I enjoy the fun summer gatherings and the great educational presentations too. Ninety-nine girlfriends is one of my favorite organizations.