I grew up in Yakima, Washington and attended St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph Academy, going on to Gonzaga University as a National Merit Scholar. In my 40's, I went to Washington State University and earned a master's degree in English. I am a wife, mother, grandmother of five and have worked as a teacher and geriatric care manager. I take care of my 89 year old mother, who lives independently in an apartment near our home.