I grew up in Woodinville, Washington, just outside Seattle. After undergrad in Utah and law school in New York City—where I met my husband, Jon—we moved to Brentwood in 2011 when he took a job in Santa Monica. After 7 years in Brentwood and two young daughters, we began searching for a long-term community: great public schools, a strong neighborhood feel, and a safe place to raise our family. The Palisades checked every box. We moved into a rental on Hartzell Street in the Alphabets when I was six months pregnant with our third daughter. Three years later, we welcomed our fourth—complete with a giant wooden stork on the fron lawn to mark her arrival. Since then, our four daughters could be seen running through town, with us following behind. Our three oldest daughters attend Pali Elementary, Ada Grace-10, Marigold-8, and Eloise-6. Our youngest daughter, Lenora-4, attends Methodist Preschool Palisades. We have missed running around town with our gaggle of girls.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
I grew up in Woodinville, Washington, just outside Seattle. After undergrad in Utah and law school in New York City—where I met my husband, Jon—we moved to Brentwood in 2011 when he took a job in Santa Monica. After 7 years in Brentwood and two young daughters, we began searching for a long-term community: great public schools, a strong neighborhood feel, and a safe place to raise our family. The Palisades checked every box. We moved into a rental on Hartzell Street in the Alphabets when I was six months pregnant with our third daughter. Three years later, we welcomed our fourth—complete with a giant wooden stork on the fron lawn to mark her arrival. Since then, our four daughters could be seen running through town, with us following behind. Our three oldest daughters attend Pali Elementary, Ada Grace-10, Marigold-8, and Eloise-6. Our youngest daughter, Lenora-4, attends Methodist Preschool Palisades. We have missed running around town with our gaggle of girls.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
We’ve called the Palisades home for seven years this July. Our very first week here was the Fourth of July—and the town completely swept us off our feet. We walked to Sunset, found a little square of sidewalk to watch the parade, and fell in love. It’s still my favorite day of the year here. My husband runs the 5K pushing a double stroller, I meet him for the kids’ race, and one year, our daughter even sang the national anthem with her friends before it began. The way this town gathers to celebrate—with pride and joy—is what makes it so special.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
Bringing people together has always been at the core of who I am. Whether it’s connecting friends, organizing a dinner, or building community through events—I find real joy in creating spaces where people can gather. I come from a big family where Sunday dinners could mean 50 people, and since Jon and I are far from most of our family, our community has become our extended family. That’s part of why the Fourth of July means so much—it’s the biggest community “dinner” of the year. Since January 7, my focus has shifted entirely to helping our community heal and rebuild by supporting the rebuild efforts for Pali Elementary. The morning after the fire, I was on the phone with our school principal asking, “How do we keep our school community together?” Since then, I’ve poured myself into helping Pali rebuild—because our school is the heartbeat of our town. We may have lost our house, but my mission has been to help ensure the kids and families in the Palisades still have a home at Pali Elementary as fast and safe as possible.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
Home, for me, is familiarity, connection, and consistency. I grew up in a small town, so it was important to me that my kids know their neighbors, play with friends down the street, and bump into familiar faces at local events. My parents sold my childhood home years ago, so the meaning of “home” has grown even deeper. It’s not about the walls—it’s about the people, the shared routines, and the community we choose to build around us.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
The pride in this town is quiet—but powerful. It’s not flashy or loud, but you feel it every day. On January 5, just before the fire, I was at the Farmers Market with my mom. The sun was warm, the air was just cool enough, and I looked around at all the happy faces. I turned to her and said, “This is why we live here.” That moment is burned in my memory—not just because it was one of the last before everything changed, but because it captured the essence of the Palisades: people who truly know how good they have it, even in the moment.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
We moved in just before The Village opened, so we quickly made a ritual of walking to McConnell’s or See’s once it finally opened. Weekends—and plenty of weeknights—ended with a scoop of ice cream on the green. Sometimes we went just to see who else might be there—instant playdates and spontaneous connection. It felt like a cul-de-sac for the entire community. Also, my daughters would never forgive me if I didn’t mention Pearl Dragon!
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
That might be our neighbors, Mel and Elaine. They’ve lived in their home for over 50 years and take incredible pride in it—new flowers for each season, including Marigolds for my daughter named Marigold, and a perfectly kept home inside and out. But beyond that, they’ve become family. They never miss a birthday or special event for our girls. In a community filled with remarkable people, they quietly and consistently show what it means to be a good neighbor.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
The grief. But also the gratitude. We were absolutely broken in the hours that followed—evacuating, not knowing what was left. We made our way back and walked the empty streets in silence, passing by homes that no longer stood. Ours was still smoking when we arrived. There was nothing to save—but in the rubble, I found a ceramic Eeyore I’d painted with my Nana when I was three. She had just passed two months earlier. That little untouched figure sitting on top of the ashes somehow carried me through. It reminded me that even in the deepest sorrow, gratitude finds a way to rise. Gratitude and Grief are interwoven in our hearts.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
Our school community of friends. From the middle of the night, parents were checking in on each other, offering help, making sure every family felt supported. After learning that our school was gone, the shared cry was simple: “Keep the kids together.” We lost homes, we lost spaces—but we didn’t lose each other. That invisible thread connecting us through school became our lifeline.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
Community matters! I couldn’t have gone through this with any other group of people. There’s an unspoken understanding among those who experienced the fire—almost like a club no one asked to join, but now we’re bonded forever. It’s not about pretending everything’s okay. It’s about being with people who just get it. I thought I might feel bitterness about losing our home, but I feel only hope. Every home that still stands is a sign that someone will be here when the rest of us come back.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
Slow down. We’re all racing toward the next stage—because we think we’re supposed to. But the good stuff? It’s in the everyday moments. The porch chats, the messy dinners, the walks to school. Be present. The people in front of you are your life. I need to remember my own advice.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I’ve wanted to start a table linen company for the past eight years. Between kids, school volunteering, and everything else, it’s been on the back burner. But I’m still hopeful! Also, I have a deep love for the South—but if you know me, that probably isn’t surprising at all.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Back in a home in the Palisades. Our kids back in school here. Sports and activities filling up our calendar again. Watching our girls grow up in the town we fought to rebuild—surrounded by the people who make this place feel like home.
